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UCSB    LIBRARY 


CHURCH  M:^IsrTJA.L; 

WITH 

BRIEF   HISTORICAL  NOTICES 

OF     THE 

FIRST  CONGREGATIONAL  CHURCH 

IN    BRAINTREE, 
AND    ITS    PASTORS, 

FROM  THE  DATE  OP  ITS  ORGANIZATION,  TILL  THE 
CLOSE  OF  1869. 


PUBLISHED   BY   ORDER  OF   THE   CHURCH. 


BOSTON: 

HAYDEN  &  RANDALL,  23  CORNHILL. 

18G0. 


Digitized  by  tine  Internet  Arcliive 

in  2007  witli  funding  from 

IVIicrosoft  Corporation 


littp://www.arcliive.org/details/cliurGlimanualwitliOOfirsiala 


BRIEF   HISTORICAL   NOTICES 


Jirst  Caiijreg;iti0inil  Cljurrlj  in  ^raintm. 


The  original  "  Church  of  Braintree,"  known  as  the  "  First 
Congregational  Church  of  Quincy,"  was  gathered  September 
17,  1639.  Braintree  then  included  the  whole  territory  now 
divided  between  the  present  incorporated  towns  of  Quincy, 
Braintree,  and  Randolph. 

What  is  now  known  as  the  "  First  Congregational  Church 
of  Braintree,"  was  organized  September  10,  1707.  Of  the 
causes  operating  to  its  separation  from  the  mother  church,  we 
have  little  or  no  information  except  what  is  derived  from 
"two  discourses"  of  Eev.  Mr.  Lunt,  late  pastor  of  the 
Quincy  Church,  delivered  September  29,  1839,  on  the  two 
hundredth  anniversary  of  its  gathering.  From  the  "  appen- 
dices "  and  notes  illustrating  these  discourses,  we  learn  that 
as  early  as  January,  1701-5,  "two  church  meetings  were 
held  that  occasioned  much  debate,  and  some  misapprehension 
about  church  discipline  ;  " — that  "  nine  of  the  chui'ch  with- 
drew from  the  Lord's  table,  and  in  many  things  acted  disor- 
derly ; "  and  that  difficulties  and  dissensions  were  so  great, 
as  to  render  necessary  the  calling  of  a  council  of  Elders  and 
Messengers.     This  council  met.  May  7,  1707. 

Previous  to  this  date  however  —  as  early  as  May  2,  1706, 
"  a  new  house  was  raised  in  Braintree  for  a  meeting-house  ;  " 
of  course  a  secession  from  the  "  original "  church  had  been 
determined  on ;  this  was  more  than  two  years  before  the 
eeceders  became  recognized  by  civil  authority,  as  forming  a 
distinct  precinct.  The  reasons  assigned  for  this  movement, 
were  briefly  —  that  the  old  meeting-house  was  not  large 
enough  to  accommodate  "  above  two-thirds  of  the  inhabi- 
tants ;  " —  that  "  its  position  was  near  one  end  of  the  town, 


4  CIIURCn    MANUAL. 

and  of  inconvenient  access  to  half  the  population  ;  " —  that 
"  for  near  a  dozen  years,  they  had  petitioned  in  vain  for  a 
larger  and  more  central  house ;  "  and  that  in  their  judgment, 
no  alternative  remained  but  to  establish  separate  worship, 
and  maintain  it  as  God  should  enable  them  to  do.  Whether 
for  good  or  ill.  it  is  clear  that  the  mantle  of  the  father's  logic 
has  not  been  cast  away  by  the  children. 

The  alienation  between  the  mother  and  daughter  churches, 
seems  to  have  continued  some  two  years  ;  when,  agreeably  to 
"  the  advice  of  ministers  for  reconciliation,"  "  the  acknowl- 
edgment of  haste  and  irregularity  "  on  the  part  of  the  daughter 
church,  was  made  to  the  mother  church,  Feb.  19,  1709-10; 
a  month  later,  Eev.  Mr.  Adams  preached  in  the  old  meeting- 
house, in  token  of  mutual  forgiveness  and  forgetfulness  of 
past  oflFences. 

Eev.  Hugh  Adams,  who  had  graduated  at  Harvard  Univer- 
sity in  167(3.  was  ordained  first  pastor  of  the  newly  organized 
church,  on  the  10th  of  September,  the  same  day  on  which 
the  organization  took  place." 

The  sermon,  on  occasion  of  the  church's  organization,  was 
preached  by  Rev.  Cotton  Mather,  of  Boston,  frona  Eph.  2  :  22, 
"  In  whom  ye  also  are  builded  together," — from  which  the 
doctrine  was  deduced,  that  '•  Every  particular  church  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  is  to  be  together  built  in  the  glorious  Lord 
as  a  temple  of  God."  In  applying  the  subject  to  the  members 
of  the  newly  constituted  church,  he  says  : 

"  Brethren  !  'tis  a  very  great  glory  which  is  this  day  put 
upon  you  by  this  Glorious  One  !  But  as  you  must  beware  of 
being  haughty,  because  you  now  stand  in  the  Lord's  holy 
mountain,  so  your  standing  there  should  make  you  vei-y  cau- 
tious, very  watchful,  that  your  whole  behavior  may  adorn  the 
doctrine  of  God  your  Savior.  You  have  the  eyes  of  the  most 
Holy  Lord  upon  you  — eyes  that  strike  and  pierce  like  light- 
ning —  pure  eyes  that  cannot  look  upon  iniquity  !  The  people 
of  God,  and  all  your  neighbors  have  their  eyes  upon  you ! 

*  From  the  Parish  records  of  Braintree.  it  appears  that  Mr.  A.  failed  lo  realize  his 
wishes  in  the  uiaiter  of  pecuniary  support  from  the  iKiOple,  and  eoni]  lain-d  to  the 
"General  Court"  of  ill  usa^e  in  that  rcsiiect,  without;  oldainin;;  redr.-ss.  While  at 
Durham,  he  made  similar  complaint  to  the  "Provincial  Assenilily  "  of  N.  M  ,  of  tha 
delinqni;ncy  and  trespasses  of  hi.i  parishioners  —  praying  not  only  for  justice  to 
himself,  but  tliat  a  neglect  to  pay  a  minister  might  be  made  penal  and  piesentable 
by  the  "srand  jury."  Thes",  a:.d  olhur  facts  not  necessiiry  lo  be  rfjxali'd,  led 
Dr.  Bjlknap  (Bist.  Colls.  If.  305;  to  pronounce  bim  "one  of  the  most  eccentrio 
clergymen  ever  eettled  in  N.  H." 


CHtTRCH    MANUAL  5 

0  how  much  ought  this  to  be  your  prayer  — '  Teach  me  thy 
way.  O  Lord,  and  lead  me  in  a  plain  path  ! '  It  is  equally  to 
be  desired  —  greatly  to  be  advised  —  that  you  endeavor  great- 
ly to  approve  yourselves  the  children  of  God,  without  rebuke, 
in  the  midst  of  those  who  may  be  ready  eno'  to  condemn  you 
—  that  you  may  keep  close  to  the  faith  and  order  of  the  gos- 
pel, and  the  right  way  of  the  Lord  —  that  you  may  be  much 
in  suppliC|j,tions  to  the  Lord,  and  often  set  apart  whole  days 
for  extraordinary  supplication,  that  the  work  of  God  may  be 
happily  carried  on  among  you  ;  —  in  a  word,  that  you  may  all 
be  true  citizens  of  Zion  !     This  is  greatly  to  be  desired  !  " 

The  discourse  closes  thus  : 

"  May  this  church  be  such  a  temple;  then,  as  there  were 
cherubims  on  the  walls  of  the  temple,  the  very  angels  of  God 
will  take  pleasure  to  behold  you,  to  befriend  you ;  yea,  then 
the  Glorious  Lord  himself  will  afford  a  most  gracious  presence 
of  His  to  you !  And,  Lord  !  if  thou  will  be  here,  we  shall 
not  die,  nor  shall  the  souls  of  our  children  die  !  The  name  of 
this  church  will  be,  Jehovah  Shammah — the  Lord  is  there  !  " 

The  covenant  upon  which  the  church  was  originally  gath- 
ered, is  found  appended  to  Rev.  Mr.  Mather's  sermon,  preached 
at  its  organization  —  and  is  there  noticed,  "  as  a  perpetual 
monitor  of  the  flock,  to  be  steadfast  in  the  covenant,  in  per- 
petuam  rei  memoriam." 

"  We,  whose  names  are  hereunto  subscribed,  apprehending 
ourselves  called  of  God,  to  join  together  in  church  commu- 
nion, (acknowledging  our  unworthiness  of  such  a  privilege, 
and  our  inability  to  keep  covenant  with  God,  or  to  perform 
any  spiritual  duty,  unless  Christ  shall  enable  us  thereto,)  in 
humble  dependence  on  free  grace  for  divine  assistance  and 
acceptance ;  we  do,  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord, 
fully  covenant  and  bind  ourselves,  solemnly,  in  the  presence 
of  God  himself — His  holy  angels,  and  all  His  servants  here 
present,  to  serve  the  God  whose  name  alone  is  Jehovah, 
Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost,  the  only  true  and  living  God, 
cleaving  to  Him  as  our  chief  good  ;  and  unto  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  as  our  only  Savior,  prophet,  priest,  and  king  of  our 
souls,  in  a  way  of  gospel  obedience ;  avouching  the  Lord  to  be 
our  God,  and  the  God  of  our  children,  whom  we  give  unto 
Him ;  counting  it  as  a  high  favor,  that  the  Lord  will  accept 
1* 


G  CIIL'KCII    MANtAt. 

of  US  and  our  children  with  us,  to  be  His  people.  We  do 
also  give  ourselves  one  unto  another  in  the  Lord,  covenanting 
to  walk  together  as  a  church  of  Christ,  in  all  the  ways  of  his 
worship,  according  to  the  holy  rules  of  his  word,  promising 
in  brotherly  love,  faithfully  to  watch  over  one  another's  souls, 
and  to  submit  ourselves  to  the  discipline  and  power  of  Christ 
in  his  church  ;  and  duly  to  attend  the  seals  and  censures,  or 
whatever  ordinances  Christ  has  commanded  to  be  observed  by 
his  people,  so  far  as  the  Lord,  by  his  word  and  Spit-it,  has  or 
shall  reveal  unto  us  to  be  our  duty  ;  beseeching  the  Lord  to 
own  us  for  his  people,  and  to  delight  to  dwell  in  the  midst 
of  us. 

"  And,  that  we  may  keep  our  covenants  with  God,  we  desire 
to  deny  ourselves,  and  to  depend  wholly  on  the  free  mercy  of 
God,  and  upon  the  merits  of  Jesus  Christ ;  and  wherein  we 
shall  fail,  to  wait  on  him  for  pardon,  thro'  his  name ;  beseech- 
ing the  Lord  to  own  us  as  a  church  of  Christ,  and  to  delight 
to  abide  in  the  midst  of  us." 

The  following  "covenant"  appears  on  the  records,  without 
date  or  name ;  whether  adopted  in  the  days  of  Mr.  Niles, 
or  Mr.  Weld,  we  have  not  the  means  of  ascertaining.  Its 
greater  particidarity  chiefly  distinguishes  it  from  the  fore- 
going : 

CHURCH    COVENANT. 

We  do  at  this  time,  and  in  the  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  in 
dependence  on  the  influence  of  his  Holy  Spirit,  enter  into  covenant  with 
God  and  one  another  according  to  the  following  words: — 

I.  That  having  chosen  the  Lord  Jehovah  to  be  our  God,  we  will  fear 
and  cleave  unto  him  in  love,  and  serve  him  in  truth  with  all  our  hearts, 
giving  up  ourselves  to  him  to  be  his  people,  to  be  at  his  direction  and 
disposal  in  all  things,  that  we  may  enjoy  and  hold  communion  with  him, 
as  members  of  Christ's  mystical  body,  according  to  his  revealed  will,  to 
the  end  of  our  lives. 

II.  We  promise  to  keep  close  to  the  truth  of  Christ,  endeavoring  with 
lively  affection  toward  it,  to  defend  it  against  all  opposers  ;  and  that  wc 
may  do  this,  we  resolve  to  use  the  Holy  Scriptures,  as  our  rule  and  plat- 
form to  walk  by  ;  by  which  we  may  discern  the  mind  of  Christ,  and  not 
be  led  away  and  entangled  with  the  unscriptufal  inventions  of  men. 

III.  We  oblige  ourselves  to  the  faithful  improvement  of  our  abilities 
and  opportunities,  to  worship  God,  according  to  all  the  institutions  of 
Jesus  Christ,  taking  the  great  Emmanuel  to  be  our  Savior,  in  all  his 
offices ;  endeavoring  with  the  help  of  God  to  give  reverend  attention  to 
the  word  of  God,  to  pray  to,  and  to  praise  him,  to  hold  communion  with 
each  other,  in  the  observation  of  all  the  holy  institutions  of  Christ,  which 
he  hath  established  for  his  Church  under  the  gospel,  especially  in  both  th« 
seals  of  the  covenant  of  grace,  viz :  Baptism,  and  the  Lord's  Supper. 


CHURCH    MANUAL.  7 

IV.  We  engage,  with  the  Lord's  help,  to  have  a  careful  inspection  over 
our  hearts,  so  as  to  endeavor,  by  the  virtue  of  the  death  of  Christ,  the 
mortification  of  all  our  sinful  passions,  worldly  frames,  and  irregular 
affections;  to  abstain  from  all  open  and  scandalous  sins,  by  which  the 
enemies  of  our  holy  religion  may  be  encouraged  to  blaspheme  the  blessed 
Jesus,  and  from  all  secret  and  private  sins,  by  which  we  shall  depart  from 
the  living  God. 

V.  We  promise,  with  the  help  of  Gfod,  to  maintain  the  worship  of  God 
in  our  families,  evening  and  morning  ;  to  read  the  scriptures  to  them,  and 
to  pray  with  them  ;  to  bring  up  our  children  in  the  nurture  and  admoni- 
tion of  the  Lord  j  to  instruct  them,  and  all  under  our  care,  in  the  knowl- 
edge and  fear  of  God,  according  to  our  best  abilities,  particularly  by  the 
use  of  the  Orthodox  Catechism  of  the  Assembly  of  Divines,  the  truths  of 
which  we  profess  ;  that  so,  true  religion  may  be  maintained  and  known 
by  our  families,  while  we  live ;  and  that  our  posterity  may  know  and  fear 
the  Lord  and  obey  the  living  and  true  God  aright,  and  adhere  to  his  truths 
when  we  are  dead. 

VI.  We  promise  that  we  will  peaceably  submit  to  the  holy  discipline, 
appointed  by  Christ  in  his  Church  for  offenders,  obeying  them  who  have 
the  rule  over  us  in  the  Lord  ;  and  will  endeavor  to  maintain  a  holy  ortho- 
dox ministry  among  us  in  this  place. 

VIL  We  bind  ourselves  to  walk  in  love,  one  toward  another,  endeavor- 
ing our  mutual  edification;  Visiting,  exhorting,  and  comforting,  as  occa- 
sion may  be,  oar  brother  or  sister  that  offendeth  ;  not  divulging  private 
offences  irregularly,  but  carefully  following  the  several  precepts  laid  down 
by  Christ  in  the  gospel  for  church  discipline,  willingly  forgiving  all  who 
manifest  to  a  judgment  of  charity  that  they  truly  repent. 

VIII.  We  will  endeavor  with  the  help  of  God,  to  govern  and  regulate 
ourselves,  in  the  management  of  church  discipline,  according  to  the  advice 
and  direction  given  us  in  the  word  of  God,  and  we  trust  according  to  the 
method  of  the  Congregational  Churches  in  this  laud,  of  which  particular 
denomination  we  publicly  profess  ourselves,  standing  in  a  near  and  sisterly 
relation  to  all  such  Churches  of  Christ,  and  desirous  to  maintain  all  special 
acts  of  communion  with  them,  which  the  communion  of  saints  allows  and 
requires,  according  to  the  Platform  of  Church  Discipline  agreed  upon  by 
the  elders  and  messengers  of  the  Churches  in  the  year  1648,  at  Cambridge, 
in  New  England. 

IX.  And  now  we  beseech  God,  who  is  witness  to  this  our  covenant 
transaction  between  him  and  us,  and  one  another,  to  enable  us  to  keep 
this  covenant  inviolaMy  to  his  glory  and  to  our  own  edification  and  sal- 
vation. And  that  wherein  we  shall  fail  of  obedience,  he  may  give  ns 
repentance,  pardon  and  healing,  for  the  sake  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen. 

Through  disagreement  with  his  people  on  the  subject  of 
salary,  Mr.  Adams  relinquished  his  charge,  August  22,  1710, 
having  held  it  less  than  three  years.  He  was  next  settled  at 
Chatham,  but  took  his  dismission  April  25,  1716  ;  afterwards 
he  was  installed  in  Durham,  N.  H.,  March,  1718,  and  there 
labored  in  the  ministry  till  January,  1739,  when  he  was  dis- 
missed, though  he  lived  till  1750,  and  died  at  the  age  of  74. 


8  CHURCH    MANtTAL. 

After  the  dismission  of  Mr.  Adams,  several  candidates 
were  employed  on  probation,  through  nine  succeeding  months ; 
from  among  these,  Mr.  Samuel  Niles  was  chosen  to  the  vacant 
office,  by  a  vote  of  great,  though  not  entire,  unanimity.  His 
ordination  occurred  May  28,  1711,  when  the  sermon  on  the 
occasion  was  delivered  by  the  pastor  elect,  agreeably  to  the 
usage  of  those  days,  from  Romans  15:30 — "  Strive  together 
with  me  in  your  prayers  to  God  for  me."  In  behalf  of  the 
Council  he  was  introduced  to  the  communion  of  the  church 
by  Rev.  Joseph  Belcher,  of  Dedham  ;  the  charge  was  given  by 
Eev.  Peter  Thatcher,  of  Milton  ;  the  right  hand  of  fellowship, 
by  Rev.  John  Danforth,  of  Dorchester ;  and  the  imposition  of 
hands  in  the  consecration  service,  by  Rev.  Messrs.  Thatcher, 
of  Milton,  Danforth,  Belcher,  and  Thatcher,  of  Weymouth. 
The  council,  though  small  compared  with  similar  bodies  in 
later  times,  was  sufficiently  "  venerable,"  as  viewed  from  the 
stand-point  of  1860,  and  probably  embraced  all  the  then 
existing  "neighbor  churches"  and  pastors  of  unquestioned 
orthodoxy. 

In  this  connection  it  is  pertinent  to  say  —  that  Rev.  Mr. 
Niles  was  born  at  Block-Island,  May  1,  1G74,  and  graduated 
at  Harvard  University,  in  1G99.  After  leaving  college,  and 
preparing  himself  for  the  sacred  vocation  he  had  chosen,  he 
commenced  preaching  in  a  district  of  Rhode  Island,  then 
called  "  ministerial  lands," — now  known  as  South  Kingston; 
it  does  not  appear  that  he  had  there  a  pastoral  charge,  but 
labored  as  a  missionary,  or  "  stated  supply,"  for  several  years. 
His  life  and  labors  closed  in  Braintree,  May  1,  17G2,  being 
then  eighty-eight  years  of  age,  to  a  day,  and  having  continued 
his  public  services  down  to  the  last  sabbath  preceding  his 
death." 


*  It  may  not  ba  out  of  place  to  record  here  a  few  adilitional  fants  concerning  this 
«ble  and  devote  1  sjrvmt  of  Go  I  for  which  we  are  chirtlly  iiid -bti'd  to  llje  kindnesc 
of  Rev.  .r.  B.  Fflt.  He  himself  records  the  place  of  his  nativity,  as  aliove,  in  bit 
"Manuscript  History  of  the  Indian  and  French  Wars;"  "lie  wiis  a  di'scendant, 
most  probat)ly  a  grandson  of  .lohn  Niles,  who  was  of  IJraintree  from  1639  to  hit 
decease  in  l-'elir  lary,  1696.  aged  94,  and  had  sons.  John,  Joseph,  Nathaniel,  Samuel, 
Increase.  Bnj ami n  and  Isaac."  From  which  of  tliese  sons  he  disc  nded  is  not 
clear.  Mis  first  wift;  was  daughter  of  Rev.  Peter  Tliiitcher.  of  Milton,  and  died  in 
1716.  His  second  wifij  was  Ann  Coddington.  who  died  1732.  Rev.  Mr.  Niles  pub- 
lished "Trista  Ecclesiarnm  "  or,  "A  sorrowful  account  of  the  churches  in  New 
England,  174"> ;  "  •' Vimllciition  of  divers  Important  Doctrines,"  17:V2:  "The  True 
Bcripture  Doctrine  of  Original  Sin,  in  answer  to  Dr.  John  Ta\lor,  17."i7."  He  wat 
grandfither  of  Rev.  Samuel  Niles,  of  Atjinglon,  who  died  Jan.  16.  1814,  aged  70, 
and  of  Judge  Nathaniel-Niles  of  Fairlee,  Vt.,  who  died  Oct.  31.  1828,  aged  88.  The 
Drst  President  Adams,  who  personally  knewhlm,  observed  of  liim,  •'  I  then  revered 
and  still  revere  the  honest,  virtuous  and  pious  man."    Rev,  John  Barnard,  ot  Mar- 


CHURCH    MANUAL. 


The  following  is  a  list  of  members  in  full  communion  with 
the  Church  at  the  time  of  Mr.  Niles'  settlement : 


Caleb  llubbai-d.  Dea., 
JoseiiU  Allen,  Dca., 
Samuel  H;iss, 
Nehemiah  Hayden, 
Edmuuii  Littlefluld, 
Thomas  Nash, 
Samuel  All«ii, 
Ephraim  Thayer, 
Peter  Huliliard, 
Samuel  Nilus, 


Mrs. Hubbard, 

Ljdia  Alltm. 
Iklbiah  Bass, 
Rebecca  Ni^ihtingale, 

Mrs. ^>|lea^, 

Elizabi-th  French, 

Widow l>urin, 

Mrs.  Ilullis, 
Widow Thayer, 


MALES. 
Samuel  Paine, 
Theophilus  CurtU, 
Josiah  Faxon, 
William  Thayer, 
John  Niles.  2d., 
Fraiici.s  Nash, 
John  HoUis, 
John  llayden, 
Samuel  Thompson. 
Samuel  French, 

FEMALES. 

Hannah  Hayden, 
Hannah  Curtis, 
Stuliilal)le  Faxon, 
Mary  Niles, 
Mary  Jones, 
Mary  Nash, 

Mrs  Vining, 

Mrs. White, 

Sarah  Thayer, 


Thomas  Wales, 
John  Thayer, 
Ebenezer  Spear, 
John  Niles, 
Benjamin  Niles, 
William  Nightingale, 
Samuel  Nash, 
Thomas  White, 
Ebenezer  Thayer. 


Mrs. Wales, 

Sarah  Towers, 
Elizabeth  Llttlefleld, 
Mary  Bagley, 
Rachel  Spear, 
Susannah  Nasb, 
Sarah  Wild, 
Abigail  Allen, 
Abigail  Bass. 


At  what  period  the  half-way  covenant  was  adopted  by  the 
Church,  does  not  appear  from  the  records.  It  was  in  use, 
however,  during  the  whole  of  Mr.  Niles'  ministry,  and  was 
not  given  up  till  several  years  after  his  death.  It  seems  not 
to  have  been  in  a  high  degree  popular,  since  the  average 
number  of  admissions  was  but  about  six  a  year. 

The  following  is  the  record,  made  by  Mr.  Niles,  of  ad» 
missions  to  full  communion  during  his  ministry : 


1712. 
Hannaii  Spear. 

171.3. 
Wid.  Miirgarct  Thayer, 
Mary  Thayer. 
Miiry  Wali-8, 
Lydia  Paine, 
Mehitable  Paine, 
Samuel  Wild, 
George  Chessman^ 


1714. 
Jonathan  Hayward, 
Richard  Thayer, 
Hannah  Faxon, 
Thomas  Viuion. 

1715. 
WHn»Tn  Hunt, 
B.Tijiimin  Alli>n, 
Mrs.  Jemima  Clark, 
Mrs.  Jemima  Clark,  2d., 


1715. 
Elkanah  Wales, 
Elizabeih  Wales, 
Mrs.  Sarah  Ludden, 
John  HolUrook, 
John  Wild.  Jr., 
Mrs.  Sanih  Hunt; 

17113. 
Rebecca  Thayer, 
Hannah  Thayer, 
Samuel  White,  Dea, 


blehead,  places  him  among  the  excellent  ministers  of  New  England  ;  of  whom  he 
eays,  ••  these  wnri!  all  men  of  learning;  pious,  humble,  prudent,  faithful  and  useful 
men  in  thi-ir  day."  It  may  be  ad.Ird,  that  tnulition  r.iports  him  to  have  looked,  • 
with  distrust,  on  the  "  new  measures"  adopt-ed  Ijy  not  a  fe>v  men  of  eminent  piety 
and  z.^al,  during  the  period  of  "  the  great  awakening."  in  the  former  part  of  the  last 
century,  and  to  have  declined  the  opening  of  his  pulpit  to  Whitefinid  and  other 
Bhining  lights  of  that  day,  lest  the  progress  of  truth  and  got  Illness  among  his  people 
Bboulil  be  rather  hindered  than  ijromotfd.  Probably  this  is  true,  as  it  well  com- 
ports with  the  conservative  cliiiracter  of  a  thoroughly  reail  thi'oluglan  and  an  acute 
metaphysician,  who  had  already  passed  the  grand  climateric  of  life.  It  should  not 
be  for^fittcn.  h')wever,  that  his  error  in  judgment  was  followed  by  a  fearful  suspen- 
sion of  thj  special  i;if1uence8  of  tbe  HoJ^Spirit  as  they  appear  in  the  glory  of  "tb9 
revival,"  for  some  sixtf  years. 


10 


CHURCH   MANUAL. 


1717. 
None. 

1718. 
John  Wild,  Sen., 
Mary  French. 

1719. 
Mrs.  Mary  Thayer, 
Deiiendanci-  French, 
Mrs.  Mary  Thayer,  2d, 
Mrs.  Dtib.jrah  Faxon, 
Thomas  Hunt, 
Susannah  Thayer, 
Jonathan  Bass, 
Susannah  Bass. 

1720. 
Thomas  Wales, 
Mrs.  Mary  Wales, 
Mrs.  Belhiah  Wild, 
Mrs.  Jar.e  Chessman, 
Mrs  Sarah  Newcomb, 
Mrs.  Aliigail  Penuiman, 
Phillip  Thaver, 
Mrs.  Rulh  Wild. 

1721. 
Mrs.  Anna  French, 
Tht.nias  Holbrook, 
Mrs.  Hachel  Thayer, 
Jonathan  Wild, 
Mrs.  Sara  Wild. 
Mrs,  Lydia  Thayer, 
Mrs.  Sarah  Ha>den. 

1722. 
Josiab  Uoiiart,  Sen. 

1723. 
Elizabeth  Linsneld. 

1724. 
Joseph  White, 
John  Webb, 
.  Mary  Wc^bK 
Joshua  Hay  ward, 
■  Mrs  Kliz  iljeili  Hayward, 
Jonathan  Claik, 
Nathaniel  BI:inchard,  Jr.. 
Mrs.  Sar.ih  White, 
Thomas  Frr-nch, 
Mrs.  Marv  French. 

i72). 
Walter  Mortamore. 
Samuel  Buss, 
David  Sliine, 
Mary  Hayward, 
Mrs.  Mary  i;ovvditch, 
Mrs.  Saiah  Paine, 
Shadrach  Thayer, 
Mrs.  Rachel  Thayer, 
Lydia  Thayer, 
Richard  Faxon. 

1726. 
Christoi  h,r  Thayer, 
.Benjamin  Hunt, 
.  Mrs.  Sarah  Hunt. 

1727. 
Mary  Puwel, 
Mrs.  i-arah  Arnold, 
Mrp.  Zlpi  orali  Curtis, 
William  Copeland, 
Kather  Thayer, 


1728. 
Hannah  Houghton. 
Mrs.  Klizabetli  Faxon, 
Samuel  Tliayer. 

1729. 
Abigail  Dv^ygett, 
Mr?.  Elizaijeih  Thayer, 
Benjamin  Clark, 
Mrs.  .Mary  Clark, 
Joseph  Thayer, 
John  Trusk, 
Mrs.  Penelojie  Trask, 
Rebecca  Spear. 

1730. 
Mrs.  Mary  French, 
Athertuii   Wales, 
John  Hunt, 
Mrs  Rebecca  Hunt, 
Josejih  White,  Jr., 
Mrs.  Hannah  Bass, 
Mary  Thayer. 

1731. 
Mrs.  Ruth  Hunt, 
John  Thayer,  Jr., 
Anna  French, 
Mrs,  Keliecca  French, 
Mrs.  Ivuth  Penuiman, 
Mrs.  Elizabeth  Hobart. 

1732. 
John  Luddeu, 
Nathaniel  Wales, 
Samuel  Wales. 

Mrs. Wales, 

Ebeuezcr  Thayer, 
James  Bagley, 
Mrs,  Rachel  'Ihayer, 
Mary  Jones, 
Mrs.  Sal  ah  Hayden, 
Mis.  Mary  Junes, 
Abigail  Whlt.e, 
Mrs.  Mary  Hunt, 
Peter  Thayer, 
Eunice  Ludden. 

1733. 
Mrs.  Anna  Thayer, 
Mrs.  PriselUa  Uayden, 
Micah  Allen, 
Bathsheba  Kilbee, 
Mrs.  Sarah  Ludden, 
Aliigail  Thayer, 
Mrs.  Ann  Nash, 
Seth  CoiKiland. 
Benjamin  Copeland, 
Benjamin  Nash, 
Ebtnezer  Hayden, 
Mrs.  Miiry  Havden, 
Elizabeth  Green. 

1734. 
Ephraim  Jones, 
Isaiah  Thayer, 
James  Thayer, 
Abigail  Clark, 
James  Penuiman, 
Thomas  Allen, 
Mrs.  Hepzibah  French, 
Samuel  While,  Jr. 


173.'5. 
Widow  Sar  ih  Allen, 
Samuel  Curtis, 
Mrs.  Grace  Curtis, 
Mrs.  Mary  Thayer, 
Mrs.  Mary  Alluu. 

1730. 
William  Allen, 
John  While, 
Hannah  Blanchard, 
Mary  Blanehaid, 
Judith  Dorman, 
John  Hulbioiik,  Jr. 

17.)7. 
Joseph  Ha V ward, 
Samuel  Hayden,  Jr., 
Mrs.  Mai-y  Kowditcb, 
Ruth  Whiimaish. 

1738. 
James  Thayer, 
Moses  Fr  neh, 
Edward  Fax  in, 
Eliashili  F  xon, 
Mrs.  Abigail  Ihayer, 
Mis.  Eliz.iiieih  Mies, 
Nathan  Whiting, 
Mrs.  Mary  Flench, 
John  lilaneliard, 
Miiry  Blanehaitl, 
Mrs.  S'lsannah  Copeland, 
Nathaniel  Thayer, 
Mrs.  Mary  Tiiayer, 
Mrs  Sarah  Co]  eland, 
Mrs.  Hannali  Thayer, 
Mrs.  Sarah  Hayward. 

1739. 
William  Noyes, 
William  Buwilitch, 
Mary  Dorman, 
Mehitabel  Vinton, 
Jonathan  Allen. 

1740. 
Penelope  (colored  woman) 
John  Capen. 
Mrs.  Ruth  Capen. 

1741. 
Samuel  Arnold, 
Sarah  Thayer, 
Mrs.  Bethi/ih  Arnold, 
Mrs.  Christiana  Thayer, 
Ruth  Cap  n, 
Sarah  Holbrook, 

1742. 
Ruth  Wild, 
Anna  Wild, 
John  Noyes, 
Elisha  Nih-s, 
Benjamin  Thayer, 
Sarah  Capen, 
Esther  Capen, 
Anna  Thaver, 
Ruth  Thay.  r, 
Elizabeth  Bowditch, 
Elizabi't'i  Ludden, 
Anna  Lnd^len, 
Mary  Bowditch, 
Abigail  Owen, 


CHUECH   MANUAL. 


11 


1742. 
Rath  Thayer, 
Bamuel  Nili  s,  Jr. 

1743. 
Hannah  Tliayor, 
Mary  Kobinsoii, 
Dr.  Bniijamin  Liidden, 
Ebenez.ir  Wliitiniirgh, 
Mrs.  Hannah  Niles, 
John  HoUis, 
John  Newcomh, 
Mrs.  Mary  Nrwcomb, 
Mary  Whitmaish, 
Mrs.  Ruth  Clark. 

1744 
Mrs.  Sarah  Hunt, 
I'riscilla  Kaxon, 
Kbenezor  Newcomb, 
Benjamin  Clark,  Jr., 
Mrs.  Beihiah  Cliuk. 

174.T 
Samuel  Willi,  Jr., 
Mrs.  Susanna  Wild, 
Deborah  LiKldcn, 
Mis.  Marv  Hi>lbrook. 

1746. 
Abigail  Arnold, 
Widow  Al(  Rail  Thayer, 
Mrs  Itachi-1  Tliaycr, 
Widow  Sarah  Trask, 
Mrs,  Kaehcl  Haydin, 
Ebenez  r  Thayer  and 
his  wifi'. 

1747.— None. 

1748. 
William  Whitp, 
Mrs.  Sarali  White, 
Thomas  Thayer, 
Mrs.  Lyd  a  Thayer, 
Richard  Faxon,  Jr., 
Joanna  Tliayer, 
Elizabelh  Thayer, 
Hannah  Blanchard, 
Abigail  Bianchard, 
Benj.  Hayden  and  wife, 
John  Field  and  his  wife. 


1749. 
Micah  Thaytr. 
Mrs.  Debonih  Thayer, 
Ephraim  Hunt, 
Mrs.  Miriam  Hunt, 
Miuah  French. 

17,50. 
Mrs.  Rachel  Sawia. 

1751. 
John  Hayward, 
Mrs.  Elizabsjth  Thayer, 
Mrs.  Mary  Allen, 
Mrs  Susannah  White. 

1752. 
Mrs.  Mary  Spear, 
Widow  Hannah  Hollis. 

1753. 
Nathaniel  Wales, 
Widow  Hannah  Stevens. 
1734.— None. 

1755. 
Micah  Wild, 
Mrs.  Rachel  Wild, 
Mrs.  Joanna  Ludden, 
Mrs.  Sarah  Thaj  er. 

1756 
Hannah  Hayward, 
Rebecca  Hunt, 
Samuel  Hunt, 
Mrs.  Hannah  Hunt, 
Benjamin  Allen, 
Mrs.  Deborali  Allen, 
Benjamin  Ludden, 
Mrs.  Deborah  Wild, 
Mrs  Zilpah  Thayer, 
Ann  Capen, 
Thomas  Vinton,  Jr., 
Johnathan  Thayer, 
Enoch  Hayden, 
Mrs  Amey  Hayden. 

1757. 
David  Hoi  I)  rook,  Jr., 
Widow  Jane  Noyes, 
Sarah  Thayer, 
Richard  'I'hayer,  Jr., 
Mrs.  Esther  Thayer, 


1737. 
Samuel  Hunt, 
Caleb  Thayer, 
Mrs.  Abigail  Thayer, 
George  Hunt, 
Elisha  French, 
Mrs.  Mary  French, 
Mrs.  Elizabelh  HoUU 
Mrs.  Mary  Denton, 
Joseph  Ludden,  Jr., 
Atherton  Thayer, 
Mrs.  Ruth  Thayer, 
Moses  French,  Jr., 
Mrs.  Elizabeth  French, 
Mrs.  Sarah  Thayer, 
Anna  Wales. 

1758. 
Silas  Wild, 
MI'S.  Ruth  Wild, 
Mrs.  Dorcas  Thayer, 
Mis.  Deborah  Wild, 
Mrs.  Lydia  Pratt, 
Ichabod  llolbrook, 
Mrs.  Hannah  Holbrook, 
Mrs.  Rachel  HoUis, 
Randal  Wild. 

1759. 
Ephraim  Blanchard. 

1760. 
Anna  French. 

1761. 
Hobart  Clark, 
Ricliard  Faxon,  Jr., 
Jesse  Wild. 
Mrs.  Judiih  Wild, 
Wid.  Margaret  Thompson, 
Nathaniel  Capen, 
Mrs.  Deliorah  Capen, 
Sarah  Thayer. 

1762. 
Mrs.  Esther  Thayer, 
Mrs.  Sarah  Penuiman. 


Officers  of  the  Church  during  Rev.  Me.  Niles'  Ministry. 


Peter  Hobart  and  Samuel  White  were  chosen  deacons 
April  28,  1719. 

William  Hunt  and  John  Holhrook  were  chosen  deacons 
October   13,  1742. 

James  Penniman  and  Jonathan  Allen  were  chosen  dea- 
cons July  14,  1757;  and  on  the  IGth  of  the  same  month 
Thomas  Allen  was  chosen  to  the  same  office,  in  conjunction 
with  them. 


12  CHURCH    MANUAt. 

Jotn  Holtfook,  Jr.,  was  chosen  to  the  same  office  February 
8,  1761. 

Beside  these  officers,  whose  time  of  election  is  recorded, 
there  were  others  who  held  the  same  office — how  many,  and 
what  were  their  names,  cannot  now  be  ascertained.  Inci- 
dental notices  only,  apprise  us  of  the  fact  that  the  records 
are  defective  in  this  point. 

Joseph  Allen  was  the  first  deacon  of  the  Church  ;  and  died 
March  22,  1726,  in  the  77th  year  of  his  age.  Mr.  Niles  sub- 
joins, "  He   with  others,  made  up  the  first  hundred." 

Elkanah  "Wales  was  also  a  deacon,  but  at  what  period  is 
not  known.  He  was  once  suspended  from  his  office,  and  after- 
wards restored. 

Jonathan  Hayward  was  also  a  deacon ;  and  died  July  13, 
1757,  in  the  90th  year  of  his  age. 

From  Septembers,  1 758,  to  July  1, 1759,  the  administration 
of  the  l^ord's  Supper  was  suspended,  owing  to  the  pulling 
down  of  the  old  Meeting-house,  and  setting  up  a  new  one ; 
which  was  first  used  Thursday,  June  28,  1759. 

The  Eev.  Mr.  Niles  administered  the  ordinance  of  the  Sup- 
per 301  times,  during  his  ministry  ;  baptized  about  1200 
persons;  and  received  312  to  full  communion. 

Mr.  Ezra  Weld  succeeded  Kev.  Mr.  Niles,  and  was  inducted 
into  the  pastoral  charge  Nov.  17,  1762.  He  was  a  native  of 
Pomfret,  Conn  ;  born  June  13,  1736;  and  graduated  at  Yale 
College,  in  1759. 

The  unanimity  of  the  call  is  certified  by  the  parish-book — 
in  the  absence  of  any  church  record  on  the  subject — in  words 
following : 

"Aug.  19,  1762.  Voted,  by  written  votes,  for  a  minister 
in  this  place ;  and  every  vote  was  for  Mr.  Ezra  Weld :  which 
vote  concurred  with  the  Church's  vote,  Aug.  11,  1672,  and 
consisted  of  fifty  members,  forty-seven  of  which  voted  for 
Mr.  Weld  ;  the  others  did  not  act,  being  of  the  opinion  we 
were  too  hasty  in  our  proceedings." 

Eleven  Churches  were  requested  to  assist  in  the  ordina- 
tion ;  viz.,  three  in  Pomfret  Con.  ;  the  Church  in  Danvers, 
Eev.  Mr.  Clark ;  Canton,  Rev.  ]\Ir.  Dunbar ;  Weymonth, 
Rev.  Mr.  Smith  ;  Bridgewater,  Rev.  ]\Ir.  Porter  ;  Abington, 
Eev.  Mr.  Dodge  ;  Milton,  Rev.  Mr.  Robbins ;  Quincy,  Rev. 
Mr.  Wibird ;  Randolph,  Rev.  Mr.  Taft. 


CinjRCH    MANUAL.  13 

The  ordination  sermon  was  delivered  by  Rev.  Josiah  Whit- 
ney, of  Pomfrct,  from  2  Timothy,  ii.  3.  "  Endure  hardship 
as  a  good  soldier  of  Jesus  Christ." 

During  the  early  part  of  Mr.  Weld's  Ministry,  the  half-way 
covenant  scheme — that  most  happy  device  for  filling  up  the 
Church  with  hypocrites,  and  the  world  with  infidels — was 
steadily  and  firmly  assailed,  till,  in  17G3,  May  18th,  the 
Church  came  to  the  following  vote,  viz. : 

"  The  Church  will  receive  those  only  to  own  the  covenant, 
who  are  in  a  judgment  of  charity  partakers  of  such  qualifica- 
cations  as  entitle  them  to  the  benefits  of  all  the  ordinances, 
however  they  themselves  may  not  see  their  way  clear  to  come 
to  the  Lord's  Supper ;  and  that,  in  such  cases,  it  is  expected 
by  the  Church  that  they  be  in  the  use  of  all  appointed  means 
for  the  clearing  of  their  scruples  respecting  that ;  and,  by 
their  endeavoring  the  same,  the  Church  promise  to  exercise  a 
tender  and  aifcctionate  forbearance  towards  them  in  that  re- 
spect." Jttest,  E.  WELD,  Clerk 

Subsequent  to  the  passing  of  this  vote,  it  is  understood 
that  none  came  into  the  Church,  except  through  the  "strait 
gate." 

1795,  Sept.  C.  The  Church  appointed  a  Standing  Com- 
mittee, "  to  be  assisting  in  any  difficulties,  which,  in  future, 
may  arise  between  the  members  of  the  Church."  The  breth- 
ren chosen  for  this  Committee  were  five.  viz. :  Deacons  Moses 
French.  Caleb  Hayward,  and  Adam  Hobart,  and  brethren  Si- 
las AVild,  and  Elisha  French. 

Peoceedings  of  the  Church  in  reference  to  the  Call  op 
Hev.  S.  Sage. 

Sept.  2,  1807.  A  meeting  of  the  Church  was  held  this  day, 
being  opened  with  prayer  for  light  and  direction  in  the  choice 
of  a  colleague  pastor,  by  the  moderator.  The  following  votes 
were  then  passed,  viz. : 

1.  To  desire  the  Rev.  Sylvester  Sage,  who  has  been  preach- 
ing to  us  sometime,  to  settle  with  us  in  the  work  of  the  Gospel 
ministry. 

2 


14  cntJRcn  manual. 

2.  That  Gen.  Ebenezer  Thayer,  David  P.  Hayward,  Ellsha 
French,  Dca.  Adam  Hobart  and  Lemuel  Veazic,  brethren, 
be  a  committee  to  report  to  Eev.  Mr.  Sage  the  doings  of 
the  Church,  and  agree  with  him  upon  the  conditions  on  which 
he  will  settle  with  us ;  and,  also,  make  request  to  the  town,  at 
their  meeting,  Monday  next,  [to  unite  in  the  call]. 

Attest,  E.  WELD,  Pastor. 

Sept.  25.  The  Church  met,  and  voted  that  the  Installation 
he  [heldj  on  the  first  AVedncsday  in  November  next.  2d, 
that  the  following  Pastors  and  Churches  be  sent  to  :  Rev.  Dr. 
Porter,  Rixbiiry  ;  Rev.  Mr.  Reynolds,  Wilmiuffton  ;  Rev.  Mr. 
May,  Jlfarblehead ;  Rev.  j\lr.  Emerson,  Beading  ;  Rev. 
Mr.  Niles,  Ahington ;  Rev.  Mr.  Norton,  N.  Weymouth  ; 
Eev.  Mr.  Williams,  S.  Weymovth;  Rev.  Mr.  Strong,  Ran- 
dolph ;  I'cv.  Mr.  Whitney,  Quincy.  These,  and  a  few  others, 
viz, :  Rev.  Mr.  French,  of  Andover ;  Rev.  Mr.  l^merson,  of 
Boston ;  Rev.  Mr.  Pcirce,  of  Rrookline  ;  Rev.  Dr.  Thayer, 
of  Kingston,  N.  H.  ;  and  Rev.  Mr.  Gile,  of  Milton  (afterwards 
invited),  constituted  the  Council.  Rev.  Mr.  Niles  was  chosen 
Moderator,  and  Rev  Mr.  Norton,  Scribe. 

The  doings  of  the  Church  and  town  in  the  case  were  read  ; 
the  dismirslon  and  recommendation  of  Rev.  Mr.  S.,  given  by 
the  Church  in  Westminster,  Vermont,  were  presented,  together 
with  his  confession  of  faith.  He  was  then  examined  more 
particularly  as  to  his  religious  sentiments,  and  experimental 
religion. 

It  was  then  voted,  "  That  the  Council  were  ready  to  proceed 
to  the  services  of  the  installation." 

The  introductory  prayer  was  assigned  to  the  Rev.  Mr. 
French;  the  sermon  to  Rev.  Mr.  May;  the  charge  to  Rev. 
Mr.  Williams;  the  consecrating  prayer  to  Rev.  Dr.  Thayer; 
the  right  hand  of  fellowship  to  Rev.  iMr.  Strong  ;  the  conclu- 
ding prayer  to  Rev.  Mr.  Whitney. 

The  pastoral  relation  of  Mr.  Sage  to  this  Church  was  brief, 
continuing  but  eighteen  months,  and  terminating  May  4, 
1809.  This  was  owing  to  no  fickleness  of  purpose  on  his  part, 
nor  to  dissatisfaction  or  alienation  on  the  part  of  the  people, 
but  entirely  to  failure  of  health  in  his  family,  consequent  upon 
the  change  of  a  dry,  inland  climate,  for  the  more  damp  and 
heavy  atmosphere  of  the  sea-coast. 


CHURCH   MANTTAL.  15 

The  Council  called  for  his  dismission,  of  which  Eev.  Mr. 
Williams  was  Moderator,  and  Kev.  Mr.  Strong,  Scribe,  say,  in 
their  result : 

"  Under  existing  circumstances,  Eev.  S.  Sage  is  called  in 
duty  to  request  that  the  ministerial  relation  between  himself 
and  the  Church  and  Congregation  in  Braintree  should  be  dis- 
solved, and  that  the  society  stand  justified  in  granting  his 
request." 

The  Council  add :  "  We  rejoice  that  no  impeachment  is 
attached,  either  to  the  moral  or  ministerial  character  of 
Mr.  Sage  ;  and  most  heartily  recommend  him  to  any  people 
where  he  may  be  called  to  labor,  as  a  wise,  prudent,  and  faith- 
ful minister  of  the  Gospel." 

"  We  are  happy  to  add,  that  the  conduct  of  the  Church  and 
town  of  Braintree,  under  the  trying  dispensation  of  divine 
Providence  which  renders  the  dismission  of  their  pastor  neces- 
sary, has  in  our  opinion  been  such  as  to  reflect  honor  on  them- 
selves, and  to  meet  our  entire  approbation." 

Four  persons  were  admitted  to  the  Church,  during  his 
ministry,  viz.  : 

]  808.  1809. 

Mr.  Caleb  Thavf r,  Mr.  Obadhih  Tliayer, 

Mrs.  Anna  Uolbrook.  Mrs.  Betsy  Thayer. 

The  baptisms,  during  the  same  term,  were  27. 

It  is  worthy  of  record,  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Sage  was  born  in 
Berlin,  Con.,  in  1766  ;  graduated  at  Yale  College,  in  1787  ; 
was  settled  over  the  Congregational  Church,  in  Westminster 
(East,)  Vt.,  Oct.  ];},  1790;  and,  with  the  exception  of  the 
time  spent  in  Braintree,  was  sole  clergyman  of  that  parish, 
till  near  his  death.  October  13,  1800,  he  preached  his  semi- 
centennial sermon,  and  died  January  21,  1841.  Not  only  was 
he  steadfast  in  his  adherence  to  the  faith  once  delivered  to 
the  saints — faithful  in  delivering  the  whole  counsel  of  God, 
and  earnest  in  enforcing  the  claims  of  the  Gospel  on  the 
heart  and  conscience ;  but  in  spirit  he  was  kind  and  affection- 
ate, in  manners  dignified  and  courteous,  and  in  his  wide- 
spread intercourse  with  the  high  and  the  low,  the  rich  and  the 
poor,  he  commanded  universal  respect  and  confidence  :  while 
among  the  intimates  of  his  life,  he  was  the  object  of  most  ar- 
dent affection, 


IG  cntTRcn  manual. 

At  the  time  of  Mr.  Sage's  induction  to  the  pastoral  office 
here,  no  record  could  be  found,  if  any  had  been  kept,  of  those 
•who  had  been  admitted  to  the  watch  and  fellowship  of  the 
Church.  By  much  and  laborious  inquiry,  Mr.  S.  obtained 
some  seventy  names,  of  those  who  claimed,  and  were  allowed, 
a  place  among  the  professed  disciples  of  Christ. 

INTERIM. 

After  the  dismission  of  Mr.  Sage,  numerous  candidates 
were  employed  for  short  terras. 

While  the  Church  were  destitute  of  an  active  pastor,  they 
passed  the  following  vote,  Feb.  5,  1810,  viz.  : 

'•  No  person,  being  a  member  of  any  other  Church,  shall 
commune  with  this  Church  at  the  Lord's  tabic  more  than 
once  after  the  passing  of  this  vote,  without  a  certificate  from 
the  Church  to  which  he  belongs." 

At  the  same  meeting,  the  Church  solemnly  renewed  its 
covenant ;  and  being  aware  of  the  dangers  that  threatened 
the  Churches,  from  errors  newly  brought  in,  and  deceitfully 
propagated,  by  men  who  called  themselves  still  ministers  of 
Jesus  Christ,  the  following  articles  of  faith  were  agreed  upon, 
and  subscribed  to,  by  the  Church  :  — 

CHURCH  CONFESSION. 

Article  I.  AVc  believe  in  the  existence  of  but  one  God, 
the  Creator,  Upholder,  and  Governor  of  all  worlds  and  beings ; 
and  that  he  is  unchangeably  possessed  in  the  highest  degree 
of  all  perfections,  natural  and  moral. 

Deut.,  vi.  i  ;  Isa..  xUi.  8;  Heb.,  iii.  4,  i.  3  ;  Mai.,  iii.  6  ;  John,  iii.  27 ;  Rev.,  iv.  8. 

Art.  II.  AVe  believe  that  there  is  a  Trinity  of  persons, 
the  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost,  whose  mysterious  union  is 
such  as  to  constitute  them  but  one  God. 

Matt.,  xxviii.  19:  3  Cor,  xiii.  14;  MaiL,  vii.  21,  viii.  29,  xiv.  33;  John,  i.  1—3; 
Isa.,  ix.  6 ;  Acts,  v.  31 ,  2  Cor.,  iii.  17. 

Art.  III.  AVe  believe  that  the  books  contained  in  the  Bi- 
ble (which  is  in  common  use)  were  all  given  by  inspiration  of 
God,  and  that  they  contain  a  complete  and  consistent  system 
of  truths  for  the  regulation  of  our  faith  and  practice. 

Tim.,  ill.  IG  ;  John,  v.  39,  xvii.  17  ;  Rcv.,  xvli.  18. 19. 


GntTRCH    MANUAL.  17 

Art.  TV.  "VVe  believe,  that  known  unto  God  were  all  his 
Works  from  the  beginning ;  that  he  made  all  things  for  him- 
self;  that  he  governs  all  things  according  to  the  counsel  of  his 
own  will,  and  therefore  that  we  have  the  highest  reasons  for 
the  exercise  of  holy  joy  and  rejoicing. 

Isa,  xliil.  6,  7;  Rom.,  xi.  36;  Acts,  xv.  18;  Dan.,  iv.  35;  Psalms,  xxxiii.  11; 
Rev.,  xix.  1,  2. 

Art.  V.  We  believe,  that  God  created  our  first  parents  in 
his  own  image,  perfectly  upright  in  a  moral  view  ;  and  that 
by  transgressing  his  righteous  command,  they  lost  that  image, 
became  sinful,  and  justly  exposed  themselves  to  his  everlast- 
ing wrath  and  curse. 

Gen.,  1. 26,  27,  31 ;  Eccl.,  vli.  29 ;  Col.,  lii.  10 ;  Gen.,  2,  17,  iii.  3,  6. 

Art.  VI.  We  believe  that,  in  consequence  of  the  first 
transgression,  all  mankind  in  their  natural  state  are  the  sub- 
jects of  that  carnal  mind,  which  is  enmity  against  God,  not 
subject  to  his  law,  neither  indeed  can  be,  and  therefore  that 
by  nature  they  are  the  children  of  wrath. 

Rom.,  V.  12,  15— 18 ;  Oen.,  vi.  5,  11— 13,  and  viii.  21;  Matt.,  viii.  22;  Tit.,  1,  Ifl; 
John.  lii.  6.  19;  Col.,  2,13. 

Art.  VII.  We  believe,  that  all  who  are  saved  from  wrath, 
and  obtain  everlasting  life,  are  those  saved  by  the  sovereign 
mercy  of  God,  through  the  atonement  which  was  efi'ected  by 
the  obedience,  sufferings  and  death  of  Christ. 

Malt.  xxvi.  28;  Rom.  vii.  32,  iii.  24;  Eph.,  i.  7,11.  5,  8;  Peter,  i.  13,  19;  Act^ 
XX.  28 ;  John,  i.  10;  Titus,  iii.  7  ;  1  Peter,  v.  10, 12. 

Art.  viii.  We  believe,  that  notwithstanding  the  pro- 
visions of  the  Gospel  are  sufficiently  ample  for  the  salvation 
of  sinners  of  every  description,  yet  that  none  will  accept  the 
salvation  thus  provided,  but  those  only  who  are  made  willing 
by  the  special  and  renewing  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

Rev.,  xxii.  17  ;  Isa.,  xiv.  22 ;  John,  iii.  19,  v.  40,  vi.  44,  x.  3;  Gal.,  vl.  15;  Tltofc 
Hi.  5 :  2  Peter,  1.  10. 

Art.  IX.  We  believe,  that  those  only  will  accept  the 
great  salvation  by  truly  believing  in  Jesus  Christ,  who  are 
ordained  to  eternal  life  ;  and  that  all  such  believers  will  be 
kept  by  the  power  of  God  unto  salvation. 

Acts,  xiil.  48 ;  Eph.,  1.  4.  6.  11 ;    Matt.,  xx.  23 ;  Rom.,  viii.  1 ;  John,  iv.  14,  vl.  87 
1  Peter,  i.  5 ;  Ueb.,  x.  39 ;  Col.  iii.  3. 

Art.  X.  We  believe,  that  none  ought  to  be  admitted  to  a 
visible  standing  in  the  Church  of  Christ,  but  such  as  in  the 

2o 


18  CfllTRCn    MANUAL. 

judgment  of  Christian  charity  are  the  subjects  of  faith,  or  a 
moral  change  of  heart ;  and  that  none  but  those  who  are  ad- 
mitted to  such  a  standing,  have  a  right  to  the  Lord's  Supper, 
and  baptism  for  their  children. 

Matt.,  xvi.  18:  Acts,  li.47  ;  1  Cor.,  I.  2;  Gen.,  xxil.  10  ;  Rom.,  iv.  11,  xl.  17—42  ; 
1  Peter,  iii.  21 ;  Heb.  ix.  10. 

Akt.  XI.  We  believe,  that  in  God's  own  appointed  time 
there  will  be  a  general  resurrection  of  the  bodies,  both  of  the 
righteous  and  the  wicked  ;  that  they  will  stand  before  the 
judgment  scat  of  Christ ;  that  they  will  by  him  be  impartially 
judged,  and  sentenced  to  a  just  and  final  retribution,  accord- 
ing to  the  respective  deeds  they  had  done  in  the  Body  ;  and 
that  the  wicked  will  go  away  into  everlasting,  or  endless  pun- 
isnment,  but  the  righteous  into  life  eternal. 

iBa.,  xxvi.  19;  Matt.,  xxii.  29—33;  Rev..  xX.  12;  Eocl,  ix.  9,  xii.  14;  Acts,  xviL 
SI ;  Matt.,  XXV.  31—16;  Dan.,  xii.  2,  3;  Rev.,  xx.  4,  xxii  11. 

Art.  xii.  Believing,  as  we  do,  that  the  above  articles 
comprise  the  fundamental  doctrines  of  the  Bible,  we  give  our 
solemn  assent  and  consent  to  them. 

We  also  solemnly  pledge  ourselves  to  each  other,  that  we 
will  not  invite  any  man  to  take  the  oversight  of  us,  or  to  be 
our  pastor,  whose  religious  sentiments,  in  our  opinion,  essen- 
tially differ  from  those  above  specified,  and  unto  which  we 
■ubscribe  our  respective  names. 

COVENANT. 

Under  the  influence,  we  trust,  of  the  truths  contained  in 
the  preceding  articles ;  with  a  view  to  our  own  edification  and 
growth  in  grace  ;  with  a  view  to  honor  Christ,  to  advance  his 
kingdom,  and  to  glorify  God, 

We  do  now  solemnly  devote  ourselves  to  the  great  Jehovah 
in  the  Covenant  of  Grace  ;  we  do  cordially  embrace  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  as  our  Bedeemer,  and  final  Judge  ;  and  the  Holy 
Ghost  as  our  Sanctificr,  Comforter,  and  Guide. 

We  do  religiously  and  solemly  promise,  that  by  Divine  as- 
sistance, we  will  renounce  all  fellowship  with  the  unfruitful 
works  of  darkness,  and  walk  as  children  of  the  light,  and 
adorn  the  doctrine  of  God  our  Savior  in  all  things,  all  the 
days  of  our  lives,  that  others  seeing  our  good  works,  may  glo- 
rify our  Father,  who  is  in  heaven. 


CnURCn   MANUAL.  19 

"We  do  also  solemnly  engage  to  maintain  mutual  watchful- 
ness over  each  other, — in  the  spirit  of  brotherly  love  and 
Christian  charity  ;  and  that  in  maintaining  Christ's  discipline, 
we  will  adopt,  execute  and  submit  to,  that  mode  which  is 
pointed  out  in  the  eighteenth  chapter  of  Matthew,  which  we 
consider  as  eminently  calculated  to  promote  the  best  interests 
of  his  Church, 

Thus  we  solemnly  covenant,  humbly  imploring  the  Great 
Head  of  the  Church,  that  he  would  impart  to  us  wisdom  and 
grace,  faithfully  to  perform  the  vows  which  are  upon  us. 

Ezra  Weld,  Pastor,  I?obprt  flayden,  David  P.  Hayward, 

Isaac  Tli:!yer,  Jesse  Pratt,  Adam  Hoi )art, 

Lemuel  Vi';izie,  Solomon  Thayer,  Lovi  Wilil, 

Jonatha  I  Wild,  Caleli  Thayer,  Klii  haz  Thayer, 

Samuel  Pr.itt,  Oliadiah  Thayer,  Riehard  Tliayer, 

Elisha  FrMich,  Elisha  French,  jr.,  Asa  Freuch. 
Daniel  Fogg, 

The  following  form  of  covenant,  differing  slightly  from  the 
above,  has  been  invariably  read  and  accepted,  on  occasion  of 
the  admission  of  new  members,  since  July,  181 1,  with  the  full 
consent  and  approbation  of  the  Church  : 

COVENANT. 

You  do  now,  in  presence  of  the  heart-searching  God,  and 
before  angels  and  men,  choose  the  Lord  Jehovah  to  be  your 
God  and  portion ;  and  you  do  hereby  receive  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  for  your  Redeemer  and  Savior,  and  the  Holy  Spirit  for 
your  Teacher  and  Sanctifier. 

You  do  wholly  and  openly  renounce  the  power  of  sin  and 
Satan,  and  resolve  to  live  in  universal  obedience  to  all  the 
Divine  commandments. 

You  do  submit  to  the  government  of  Christ  in  his  Church, 
and  to  the  regular  administration  of  it,  at  all  times. 

You  covenant  to  attend  the  worship  and  ordinances  of  the 
Gospel  with  the  Church,  so  long  as  God  continues  you  in  the 
world,  and  you  are  able  to  do  it. 

You  promise  to  be  accountable  to  this  Church  of  Christ  BO 
long  as  you  live,  unless  regularly  dismissed  from  it. 

Thus  you  coyenant  and  promise,  before  God  and  his  people 

[  Here  the  brethren  and  sisters  of  the  church  rise  in  their  places,  in 
token  of  their  cordial  admission  of  the  candidate  to  their  piivilegCB ;  and 
the  pastor  adds:] 


20  CHtJRCH    MANUAL. 

In  behalf  then  of  this  Church,  and  by  the  authority  of  Him 
who  sitteth  on  the  holy  hill  of  Zion,  I  say  to  you — 

We  do  now  receive  you  affectionately  into  our  communion 
and  fellowship  ;  and  we  promise  to  watch  over  you  with  all 
Christian  tenderness,  treating  you  as  a  member  of  the  body 
of  Christ,  according  to  his  commandment ;  and  expecting 
from  you  a  cheerful  reciprocation  of  all  the  kind  offices  re- 
quired by  the  fraternal  relation  into  which  a  gracious  God 
permits  us  to  enter. 

"  The  Lord  bless  thee,  and  keep  thee  ;  the  Lord  make  his 
face  to  shine  upon  thee,  and  be  gracious  unto  thee  ;  the  Lord 
lift  up  his  countenance  upon  thee,  and  give  thee  peace  1" 

[  If  the  occasion  require,  or  the  impulses  of  the  heart  prompt  further 
utterances  of  brief  counsel  or  exhortation,  the  pastor  is  at  liberty  to 
"speak  on."] 

1810.  May  22.  At  a  meeting  of  the  Church,  fifteen  mem- 
bers being  present,  it  was  voted  "  to  give  Mr.  Allen  [then 
holding  office  in  Harvard  university]  a  call  to  settle  with  us 
in  the  Gospel  ministry  ;  eleven  members  voting  for  it."  This 
call  was  declined ;  and  soon  after,  Mr.  Allen  was  chosen  to 
the  Presidency  of  Dartmouth  College,  and  after  a  few  years 
service,  was  elected  to  the  same  office  in  Bowdoin  College,  at 
Brunswick,  Me.,  where  he  accomplished  much  for  God  and  his 
generation.  He  still  lives,  and  though  not  occupying  a  public 
station,  devotes  himself  to  literary  and  religious  labors  for 
the  benefit  of  present  and  future  generations. 

Oct.  18.  "The  Church  met,  and  voted  unanimously  to 
give  Mr.  K.  S.  Storrs  a  call  to  settle  with  them  in  the  Gospel 
ministry."  The  town  was  requested  to  unite  with  them  in 
said  call. 

The  call  was  accepted — on  condition  that  the  pastor  elect 
be  at  liberty  to  fulfill  an  engagement  he  had  made,  for  six 
months'  missionary  service,  in  the  State  of  Georgia.  This 
condition  was  accepted  by  the  Church. 

Mr.  Gordon  Hall,  who  at  this  time  was  waiting  a  fit  oppor- 
tunity to  proceed  on  his  mission  to  India,  consented  to  supply 
the  pulpit  during  its  six  mouths'  vacancy  ;  and  never  was  it 
more  usefully  or  acceptably  filled.  His  name  will  be  had  in 
everlastinf"  '■omembrance. 


CHURCH   MANUAL.  21 

1811.  April  26.  The  Cliurch  met,  and  voted  "to  set 
apart  the  first  Wednesday  in  June,  for  the  ordination  of  Mr. 
Storrs,  "  ■•■^  also,  "  to  send  letters  for  assistance  in  the  ordina- 
tion," to  certain  pastors  and  Churches. 

The  "  letters  missive  "  were  responded  to  by  the  following 
pastors  and  their  Churches,  viz.:  flev.  Mr.  Niles,  Abington ; 
Bev.  Mr.  Williams,  Weymouth ;  Rev.  Mr.  Norton,  N.  Wey- 
mouth;  Eev.  Mr.  Stvong,  Eandolph  ;  Eev.  Mr.  Codman,  Dor- 
chester; Eev.  Mr.  Gile,  Milton  ;  Kev.  Mr.  Storrs,  Longmead- 
oif/  Rev.  Mr.  Reynolds,  Wilmington ;  and  Rev.  Dr.  Griffin, 
Boston. 

Rev.  Mr.  Williams  was  chosen  Moderator,  and  Eev.  Mr. 
Norton,  Scribe,  with  Rev.  Mr.  Codman,  assistant  scribe. 

After  the  usual  devotional  exercises,  the  proceeedings  of 
the  Church  and  parish  in  relation  to  the  call  were  read,  and  a 
verbal  declaration  of  acceptance  was  made  by  Mr.  Storrs  be- 
fore the  Council:  who  also  presented  a  written  confession  of 
his  faith.  "  The  Council,  having  attended  to  these  things, 
and  having  obtained  satisfaction,  that  Mr.  Storrs  is  a  regular 
member  of  the  Church  of  Christ,  and  that  he  has  been  licensed 
by  the  Presbytery  of  Long  Island  to  preach  the  Gospel,  vo- 
ted to  proceed  to  ordination." 

The  introductory  prayer  was  offered  by  Rev.  Mr.  Strong ; 
the  sermon  was  delivered  by  Rev.  R.  S.  Storrs,  sen. ;  the  con- 
secrating prayer  was  offered  by  Rev.  Mr.  Nlles ;  the  charge  to 
the  pastor,  by  Rev.  Mr.  Williams ;  fellowship  of  the  Churches, 
by  Rev.  Mr.  Norton  ;  concluding  prayer,  by  Rev.  Mr.  Gile. 
The  irrelevant  service  of  "  a  charge,"  or  "  address  to  the  peo- 
ple," in  those  days  was  an  unknown  work  of  superrogation. 

The  object  of  this  "  manual "  being  the  preservation  of 
facts,  it  may  not  be  out  of  order  to  note  the  following,  though 
of  little  importance. 

Mr.  Storrs  was  bom  in  Longmeadow,  Feb.  6,  1787  ;  gradu- 
ated at  Williams  College,  1807  ;  first  studied  theolog)'  with 
Eev.  Dr.  Woolworth,  of  Bridgehampton,  L.  I.  ;  was  licensed 
by  the  Suffolk  Presbytery ;  supplied  the  then  collegiate  pul- 
pits of  Smithtown  and  Islip  six  months  ;  afterwards  spent  a 
year  and  an  half  in  the  Theological  Seminary  at  Andovcr,  leav- 
ing that  Institution  in  Sept.,  1810. 

o  At  the  request  of  the  paster  electa  this  day  was  changed  to  Wedneeday, 
July  3d. 


22 


CnlTRCH    MANUAL. 


LIST    OF    CHURCH    MEMBERS. 


Abbreviations,  dec.  deceased, — dls.  dismiBsed,— ex.  excluded,— L,  Letter. 


Rov.  Ezra  Weld, 
ElishiV,  8.  of  M.  French, 
Richard,  s.  of  R.  Thayr, 
David  1'.,  8.  iif.I.  Hayward, 
Robert,  s.  of  B.  Hay.leii, 
Gaius,  s.  of  X.  Thayer, 
Ebenezer,  s.  of  'i.  Thayer, 
Jesse,  8.  of  J.  Pratt, 
Lemuel,  s.  of  B.  Veaziie, 
Doa.  Adam,  s,  of  0.  H()l)art, 
Dea.  Eliphaz,  s.  of  J.  Thayer, 
Jonathan,  s.  of    S.  Wild, 
Isaac,  8.  of  A.  Thaytr, 
Bolomoi),  8.  of  J.  Thayer, 
Levi,  s.  ofll  Wild, 
Klisha,  8.  of  E.  I<'rench, 
Asa,  8.  of  M.  Fr.  nch, 
Sarau -I,  8.  of  J.  Pnittv 
Daniel,  s.  of  J.  Fojrsr, 
Caleb,  8.  of  1.  Tbaycr, 
Obafliah,  s.  of  U  Thayer, 
Rachel,  w.  of  E.  Tlmyer, 
Elisabeth,  w.  of  II.  liayden, 
Jemima,  w.  of  T.  Viiitoa, 
Mary,  w  ofN.  Wales, 
8arah,  vv.  of  L,  V<azie, 
Phebe,  w  of  L  Vi  azie,  Jr., 
Miriam,  w.  of  B.  Ilaydeii, 
Mehitabel,  w  of  I).  Holbrook, 
.  Miriam,  w.  of  C   Nasli, 
Mehitabel.  v.-.  of  A.  French, 
Lois,  v/.  of  D.  P.  HaywMrd, 
Elisabeth,  w  of  N.  Hayward, 
Abigail,  v.-.  of  VV.  Allen, 
Ma:y,  w.  of  I).  Hnywavd, 
Eunice,  'v.  of  M.  French, 
Rhoda,  w.  of  L.  Wild, 
Joanna,  v,-.  of  J.  I'ratt, 
Persis,  w.  of  s.  Piatt, 
Susannah,  w.  of  E.  French, 
Sarah,  w.  of  K.  D'nton, 
Hannah,  w.  of  A.  Stetson, 
Rebecca,  w  of  J.  Rowditch, 
Relief,  \v.  of  S.  Pinniman, 
Elisab  th,  d.  of  S.  French, 
Dorcas,        oT       Thayer, 
Deborah,  w.  of  P.  Wild, 
Rachel,  w.  of  P,  Wild. 
Ruth,  w.  of  K.  1*1  niiiman, 
Rachel,  \v.  of  A.  Faxon, 
Deborah,  \v.  of  J.  Wild. 
Deliverance,  w.  of  Dea.  E. 

Thayer. 
Lydia,  w.  of  E.  Harmon, 
Abigail,    of       Thayer, 
Mary,     of        Wild, 
Elisabetli,  w.  of  T.  Curtis. 
Sarah,  »■.  iif  J   Hay.vaid, 
Sarah,  w.  ofT.  Caiiron, 
l»ucy,  vv,  of  .S.  Chessman, 


dec. 

1816 

" 

1818 

•■ 

1823 

dis. 

1811 

dec. 

1822 

ex. 

1820 

dec. 

1809 

181> 

" 

182") 

" 

1824 

dis. 

18U 

dec. 

1840 

" 

1827 

" 

183-. 

" 

1848 

" 

1820 

" 

ISW 

dis. 

1815 

dec. 

18iO 

" 

18.iJ 

" 

1841 

" 

1819 

" 

1820 

" 

1816 

" 

1841 

" 

1824 

" 

1847 

dis. 

1811 

dec. 

18  9 

•• 

1819 

dia. 

1811 

dee. 

1848 

dis. 

1815 

dec. 

1810 

" 

18.i4 

'• 

1840 

dis 

1815 

" 

1H15 

dec. 

1818 

" 

1831 

dis. 

18a 

" 

1811 

dec. 

1822 

" 

1815 

" 

1813 

" 

1829 

" 

1839 

..I 

18-iO 

" 

18J5 

dis. 

1811 

dec. 

1829 

1811 

" 

1828 

" 

1825 

" 

1812 

" 

1839 

" 

1821 

dec 


" 

1808 

" 

1850 

" 

1848 

dis. 

1815 

dec. 

1823 

" 

1856 

'* 

1843 

TS, 

dec. 

1838 

" 

1813 

« 

1842 

" 

1830 

1847 

dec. 

1838. 

" 

1843 

« 

1821 

dis. 

1859 

dec. 

1859 

dis. 

18S3 

" 

182i> 

Anna,  W.  of  E.  Holbrook, 
Alethca,    of        Uollis, 
Mary,    of        Holljrook, 
He|izibah,  w.  of  J.  Vinton, 
Uulli,  w.  of  J.  Arnold, 
Sally,  d.  of  J.  BowUitch, 
Molly,  d.  of  J.  Pratt, 
Betsy,  w.  of  O.  Thayer, 
Susanna  Fojig, 
Hannah  Clark, 

1811 
Rev.  R.  S.,  8.  of  Rev.  Pv.  8.  Storrs, 
Ruth,  w.  of  J.  DL-nton, 
Ruth,  d.  of  J.  llaywaid, 
Nathaniel  E.,  s.  of  Richard 

Thayer, 
Avis,  w.  of  Dea.  A.  Ilobart, 
Betvy,  w.  of  S.  Thay<  r. 
Abigail,  w.  of  V.  J.  HoUis,  dis. 

1812 
Dorcas,  d.  of  N.  Ilavden,  " 

Benjamin,  S.  of  N.  WaKa, 
Theo(lor.i,  w.  o!  B.  Wal.  8. 
.\braliam,  s.  of  A.  Hoburt, 
Sarah,  w.  of  A.  Hol)art, 
Klish+,  8.  of  A.  Ilob.irt. 
Ruth  w.  of  E.  lIob;irt. 
Thomas,  s  of        Hancock, 
Levi,  s.  L.  Thayer, 
Kelief,  w.  of  J.  Adams. 
Deliverance,  w.  of  N.  K.  Thayer, 
Lucv,  w.  of        Fn'iicli, 
Mary,  d.  cfS.  CliesMiian. 
Elisabeth,  d.  of  B,  Fivnch, 
Racliel,  w.  of  S.  Hayden. 
Betsy,  w.  of  H.  Hcok  r. 
Clarissa,  w.  of  C.  Hayw^ird. 
Sally,  w.  of  N.  Wales,  Jr. 
Barzillai,  s.  of  W.  Peiniiniau, 
Mary,  w.  of  B.  Peiininian, 
Elisha.  s.  of  Z.  Thay.  r. 
Susanna,  w.  of  K.  Tiiayer, 
David,  s.  off   llollis, 
Maiy,  w.  of  D.  nollif, 
Nehenii:ih.  s.  of  .V   Hayden, 
Williiim.  B.  of  li.  Thayer, 
Eheiiezr,  8.  of  E.  Drntim, 
Sarah,  w.  of       Arnold. 
Susanna,    of       Holbioofc 
Ruth,  w,  ofE.  Peniiimaii, 
Suky,  \v.  of  S.  rreiich, 
Jiulilh,  w.  of  A.  French, 
Sally,  w.  of  K.  Thayer. 
Lvdia,  w.  of  li.  linwiliteh, 
Elisabeth,  D.  ofG.  Tli:iYer, 
Elisabeth,  w  of        SiiDtli 
Elisabeth  A.,  w.  of  N.  IVnniman, 
Margery,  w.  of  C.  Wliite,  dec, 

Miriam,  d.  of  B.  Hayden,  " 


1816 


dec. 
dis. 


dec. 


1833 
1829 


18.54 
1831 
1857 
1857 
1858 
1847 


dis.   1830 


doc. 


183» 
1829 
1814 


dis. 
dec. 
dis. 


1840 
182d 


CHURCH    MANUAL. 


28 


Phebe,  w.  cf  J.  Sorter, 
Abi{{ail,  w.  ofo.  liuyden, 
Buky,  w.  of  C.  Holiis, 
Elisabeth,  d.  of  K  Clurk, 
Rachel,  w.  ofs.  D'r.Tinh, 
Sarepla,  w.  of  J.  1*.  Neweomb, 


dec  1821 


Charlottj,     nf       Thayur, 

die 

Saliy,  w.  of  R.  Pa.karJ, 

" 

1829 

Lydia,  w.  of  i'.  IlnUis, 

dec 

1829 

Mehitaljel,  w .  of  J.  Hobart, 

" 

1816 

Hukiah,  w.  o'  I-,.  Haydeu, 

" 

18.-)1 

Mai-y,  w.  of  J.  Dyer 

dis 

1829 

Mchi  label,    of       Hay  den. 

" 

1829 

Lydia,  w.  of  J.  Fn Mich, 

dec 

18J0 

1S13. 

Barah  S.,  w.  ofRjv.  R.  S. 

Storrs, 

•• 

1818 

Phebe,  w.  of  J.  Glover, 

" 

1852 

1814. 

Polly,  w.  ofR.  Arnold, 

" 

1857 

Mary,  w.  of  N.  White, 

Sally,  w.  of  J  Dyer, 

die 

1829 

1813. 

Mary,  w.  of  R.  Sujfden, 

'• 

1816. 

Robert,  s.  of  R.  Flay.len, 

dec 

18.5.3 

Nathaniel,  s.  of  N.  Thayer, 

" 

1817 

Alice,  w.  of  S.  Capen, 

" 

1840 

Elisabeth,  w  of       Stowel, 

dis 

Julia  A.,  w.  .  f  Rev.  T.  De  Witt,   " 

Sally,  w.  of  J.  Mollis, 

Atherton,  s.  ofP  Wild, 

" 

1829 

Lucy,  w.  of  A.  Wild, 

" 

1829 

Harvey,  s.  ofE.  French, 

dec 

1821 

Roland,  8.  <  f (f.  I'lcltarj, 

dis 

Eunice,  vv.  of  S.  French, 

Prudenc",  w.  ,>f  M.  Hunt, 

Lydia,  w.  of  J.  HolUrook, 

" 

1850 

Rachel,  d.  of  K.  S>|)T, 

dec 

1859 

Rachel,  w.  of  N.  (lurd. 

dis 

Alethea  W.,  d.  of  K  Pennl- 

man. 

dec 

1819 

Esther  A.  w.  of  E.  Porter, 

Deborah,  d.  ..f  G.  Thayer, 

«• 

Rachel,  d.  of  J.  Sanu.son, 

" 

1856 

1817. 

Abigail  F.,  vv.  of  P.  Divis, 

dis 

Livia  D.,  d.  of  \\  Thayer, 

Ruth  W..  w.  of  W.  Baxter, 

dec 

Rebecca,  vv.  of  S.  V.  Arnold. 

1818. 

Eliza,  d.  of  A.  Frenc.l, 

" 

1820 

Ebenez^r  T.,  a.  of  1).  Fogg, 

ex 

Susan  N.,  w.  of  E  N.  Thayer, 

Mary,  d.  of  J.  Uowilitch. 

1819. 

Esther,  d.  of  D.  Loiiiig. 

182  J. 

Alice,  w.  of  J.  Spear, 

dec 

1824 

Rhoda,     of        Hullu-ook, 

Betsy,  w.  of  J.  Warren, 

dis 

1831 

Harriet,  w.  of  liev.  R.  S. 

Stori  8,  D.  D. 

dec 

1838 

182L 

None, 

1842 
1829 
1854 


dis    1830 


1822. 
Sarah,  w.  of  O.  Hanling, 
Sally,  d.  of  E.  Clark,  dec  18M 

Ellsalieth,     of        Holbrook. 
Uuldah,  w.  of  Z.  Wdd,  ••     1833 

1823. 
Eunice,  d.  of  N.  Hayward.  "     1832 

1824. 
Silence,  w.  ofS.  H.iyden, 
Susan,  w,  of  J.  Hobart,  " 

Deborah,  w.  of  S.  Wild,  dis 

B^Hh  Charles,  s.  E.  Dickrrman,  dec 

1825. 
Esther,  w.  of  J.  Il.iyward, 
Rebecca  N.,  \v.  of  RiiV.  J. 

Farnsworth,  " 

1826. 
Ruth,  w.  of  J.  Dyer,  " 

Uanuah,  d.  of  S.  ili-iyer, 

1827. 
None. 

1828. 
Harlow,  s.  of        Hooker,  " 

Thomas  s.  of  S.  Penniman,  " 

John,  8.  of  C.  Thayer. 
Charles  M.,  s.  of  D.  Fogg,  dec. 

A.iin,  d.  of  J.  Wild,  dis. 

Sally,  w.  ore.  French, 
Samuel,  8.  of  R.  Hay.len,  dec    1850 

Julia  A.,  d.  ofS.  Hiiyden, 
Sarah,  d.  of        Fo^'g,  dis 

Jenisha,  w  of  C.  Paine,  dis 

Phebe  N.,  D  of  J.  Glover,  dec 


1829 


1828 


18S4 
1829 


1830 
1847 


1859 


Esther,  d.  of  Dja.  N.  E.  Thayer, 
Naomi,  w.  ofE.  Hobart,  dec 

Eliz'i,  w.  ofE.  D  'nton,  dis 

Sylvia,  w.  of  A  Randal,  " 

Asa,  S.  of  A.  Penniman, 
Elisabeth  H.,  *.  of  A.  Pen- 
niman, ex 
Louisa,  <l.  of  S.  Havden, 
J -rusha  T..  d.  ol  N.  Holbrook,  dec    1844 


dis 


1829 
1829 
1829 
1829 


Anthony,  s.  of  A  Dyke, 

Miry,  w.  of  A  Dvke, 

Elisha.  8  of  S.  Wild, 

Taroline,  w  of  E.  Wild, 

Jonathan,  s.  of  A.  French, 

Sarah  R  w  of  J.  Fn-nch, 

N;ithaniel.  s.  of  N.  Hayward. 

Abigail,  w.  of  T   Hancoclc,        dec    1838 

Rache'..  d,  of  L.  Veazi ', 

Sarah  J.  d  of  S.  Thayer, 

Rebecca  T.  w.  of  C.  Hayden, 

1829. 
Ebenezer,  s.  of  J.  D.tnton, 
Nancy  A  w  of  G.  Thay»r, 
Susan  H.  w.  of  J.  H  J.  Thayer,  L 
Mary,  w.  of  G.  Blanchard,        dec 
Mary,  w  of  C.  Faxon,  " 

Deborah,  d.  of  L.  Veazie. 

1830. 
Amos  H.  8.  of  C.  Hunt,  L 

1831. 
Samuel,  s.  of  A.  Hayden, 
Joseph  U.  J.  8.  of  S.  Thayer, 


dis. 
dis 


1848 
1847 


dia 


24 


CHURCH   MANUAL. 


dec  1840 

dec  18">0 

dec  18")0 

dec  1839 

dec  1842 


dia 
doc  1841 


dec  1859 


Zlmri,  8.  of  A.  Heath,  L 

Euth,  w.  of  Z.  Heath.  L 

1832. 

Samuel,  s.  of R.  Hayden,  dec  1859 

Daniel  H.  s.  of  J.  Denton, 
Lemuel,  b.  of  L.  Veazie, 
Dorcas,  w.  of  N.  Thayer, 
Hannah  d.  of  S  Thayer, 
Polly,  w.  of  J.  Df-nton, 
Rutiiy,  w  of  E.  Penniman, 
Elizabeth,  w.  of  A.  H.  Hunt, 
Caleb,  8.  of  T.  Hollis, 
George  S.  s.  of  N.  Nason,  e 

Oliver,  s.  of  O.  Hay^ien, 
Samuel,  a.  of  S.  French, 
Emmons,  s.  of  Dea.  \.  E.  Thayer, 
David,  s.  of  Dea.  N.  E.  Thayer, 
Hiram,  8.  of  Hunt.  e 

Thais,  w.  of  J.  Nottage, 
Rachel,  w.  of  J.  French, 

Sarah,  w  of Goocb, 

Irene,  w.  of  N.  Bunker, 

Beulah.  w.  of  M.  Arnold, 

Deborah,  w.  of  A.  Hobarl, 

Mary,  w,  of  J.  Thayer, 

Hannah,      of  Thayer, 

Mary  A.,  w.  of  O.  Wilde, 

Laura,  d.  of  A.  Penniman, 

Beulah,  d.  nf  M.  Arnold, 

Harriet,  d.  of  N.  Wales, 

Ann,  d.  of  C.  Fr.'nch, 

Maria,  d.  of  C.  White,  ex 

KUen,  d.  of  D.  Gorham, 

Sarah  E  d.  of  D^-a.  N.  E.  Thayer,  dec  1841 

Rhoda.  d.  of  L.  Veazie, 

Deborah,  d.  of  d.  Tliayer, 

Lucinda,  d.  of  E.  F.  Thayer,      dec  1845 

Ruthy,  d.  of  S.  Snell, 

William,  8.  of Nottage,     dec 

Josiah,  8.  of Nottage,       dec 

Asaph,  p.  of Goodenow,    dec  1854 

Samuel  D.  s.  of  S.  Hayden, 

Ann,  w.  of  S.  D.  Hayden, 

Elisha,  8.  of  E.  Fr.-nch, 

Lucinda,  w.  of  E.  French, 

Joslah,  8.  of  J.  HoUis, 

Elizabeth,  w.  of  J.  HoUis, 

Margery  A.  d.  of  C.  White,         dec  1857 

Mary,  w.  of  C.  Dickerman, 

Eunice,  d.  of  J.  Mollis, 

Susan,  d.  of  ,T.  Hollis, 

Susan,  d.  <.f  E.  Thayer, 

Avis  A.  d.  of  E.  Hobart, 

Deborah,  d.  of  Z.  Wilde,  dec  1851 

Mary  A.  w.  of  (i.  S.  Nason, 

EUas,  8.  of  N.  Hay  ward, 

Elizabeth  D.  w.  of  E.  Hay  ward,  dec  1 8.59 

Rev.  Edwards  A.  s.  of  Rev.  0.  Park,  D.D. 

David.  8.  of Gorham, 

Mrs.  Hannah,  w.  of  D.  Gorham,  dec  1835 

1833. 

None. 

1834. 
Elizabeth,  d.  of  J.  Bowditch,      dec  1847 
eharlotte,  \f.  of  C.  M.  Fogg, 


1834. 
Richard,  s.  of  J.  Allen, 
Elizabeth,  w.  of  E.  Lovell,         dec  1851 

1835.. 

None. 

1836. 

CharlfB,  8.  of Dickson,        L 

Rebecca,  w.  of  C.  Dickson,  L 

Ann,  w.  of  Rev.  R.  f!.  Slorrs,  D  D.  L 
Eliza,  w.  of  B.  F.  Arnold,       dec  L  1845 
Rfiiecea,  w.  of  S.  Vtazie,        dec  L  1843 
Sally,  w.  of  N.  Havward,  L 

i837. 
Rowen"),  w.  of  B.  Rvan, 
Elizabeth,  d.  of  N.  Hayward,      dls 
Nancy  L.  d.  of  J.  Wild,  dec 

1838. 
Sarah  H.  d.  of  J.  Thayer, 

1839. 

Jacob,  8.  of Alibott,     L    dfs 

Harriet,  w.  of  J.  Abbott,        L    dia 
Hannah,  w.  of  S.  Barrel,  dis 

Caroline,  d.  of  J.  HuHis. 

1840. 
Josiah  8.  of  R.  Hayden,        L    dec  1856 
Dorcas,  w.  of  J.  Havdeu,       L    dec  1854 
Hannah  S.  w.  of  J.  Holbrook,  L  dec  1848 

1841. 
Charles  A.  s.  of  C.  French, 
Caroline,  w.  of  B.  V.  French,  L  dec  1845 
Sarah,  d.  of  Dea.  N.  E.  Thayer. 

1842. 
Jeehonias,  s.  of  S.  Thayer,  L 

Abhy  H.  w.  of  J.  Thayer,      doc    L 
Eliza,  d.  of  J.  Thayer,  dec    L 

Thomas  A.  s.  of  R,  Hayden,  L 

Mehitable,  w.  of  T.  A.  Hayden,     L 
Rebcca  S.  w.  of  C.  Hnvden,  L 

Emily  P.  d.  of  S.  RrynoUIs.  L 

Dr.  Jonathan,  s.  of  J   Wilde, 

William,  s.  of Sawyer, 

Lucy,  w.  of  A.  Penniman, 

Mary,  d.  of  J.  Wilde, 

Nancy,  d,  of  T.  A.  Hayden, 

Sarah,  w,  of  S.  M.  Cajien, 

Eliz:il>eth.  d.  of  E.  Penniman, 

Rachel,  d.  of  J.  Bowditch, 

Clarissa,  d.  of  C.  Hnyward, 

Merinda,  d.  of  W.  Holbrook,        ex 

Enoch  H  s  of  E.  Fisher, 

Ann.  w  of  E.  H,  Fisher. 

Ebenezer  F.  E.  s.  of  R.  P.  E.  Thayer, 

Sarah  S.  S.  w.  of  F.  E.  Thayer. 

Sarah  A.  w.  of  D.  H.  Niles, 

Nancy  C.  w.  of  T.  Daniels, 

Ruth,  d.  of  E.  Penniman, 

Aliigail.  d.  of  C.  Faxon,  dls  1850 

Abby  H.  d.  of  J.  Thayer, 

Richard  S.,  Jr..  s.  of  Hev.  R.S.  Storrs,  dis 

Henry  M.  8.  of  Rev.  C.  B.  Storrs,  dis 

Josejih  C.  s.  of  Rev.  C  Williams  L 

Sarah  w.  of  J.  C.  Williams,  L     dec  1856 

Thomas,  s.  of  J.  Daniels,  L 

Sarah  B.  C.  w.  of  Rev.  Thomas  Noyca,  L 


18o4 
1847 


dis 


dec  1859 
dis 


dec 


CHURCH   MANUAL. 


1843. 
Dea.  Jonathan,  a.  of  Jas.  Cochran, 
Mary,  w.  Dea.  .J  Cochrane,  L  (lis 
Lucy,  w.  of  J.  Uobart., 

1841. 
Jane  B.,  d.  of  C.  French, 
Hannah,  w.  of  J.  Arnold, 
Mary  H.,  d.  S.  White. 

1845. 
None. 

1846. 
None. 

1847. 
Louisa,  w.  of  T.  Martin,  dia 

1848. 
Lucy,  w.  of  Dea.  D.  Hollis. 

1849. 
Dr.  Gyros  S.,  s.  of  R«v.  C.  Mann, 
Harriet  V ,  w.  of  Dr.  C.  S.  Mann, 
Brances  B.,  w.  of  E   Thayer, 

1850. 
None. 

1851. 
Caroline,  d.  of  C.  Stetson. 
Harriet,  (I,  of  J.  Thayer, 
Persia,  d.  of  J.  Thayer,  dia 
Eunice,  d.  of  B.  Hayward, 
Dr.  Alex.  U.,  s.  of  Rev.  8.  Holmes, 
Rnth,  d.  of  —  Ricker, 
Charles,  8.  of  M.   Krench, 
Catherine  L.,  w.  of  C.  French, 
Mary  A.,  w.  of  W.  HoUia, 

1852. 
Caleb,  8.  of  A.  Stetson, 
giiSiin  H.,  w.  of  C.  Stetson, 
Sarah  C.  d.  of  C.  French, 
Sarah  F.,  d.  of  E.  Haywai-d.  dis 
Eunice  C,  d.  of  Rev.  R.  S.  Storrs, 
Joseph  A.,  s.  of  J   Hollis, 
Sarah  W.,  w  of  \V.  Gage, 
Abigail  L.,  d.  of  J.  Wild. 

1853. 
Mary,  d.  of  —  Parsons, 
Fidelia,  w.  of  A.  H.  Hunt, 

1854. 
Edward,  a.  of  (.'.  Thayer, 
William,  ».  of  J.  Kincaid, 
Laura  A.,  w.  of  G.  W.  Currier, 


Ldis 
L 


1855. 
Maria,  -w.  of  P.  Oilman, 
Rlioda  F.,  w.  of  H.  Mann, 
Lois,  d.  of  C,  Faxon. 
Mary,  w.  of  A.  Arnold. 

1856. 
Frank  W.,  a.  of  H.  Reeves, 
Sarah  E.,  w.  of  F  Reeves, 
Norton,  s  of  L.  Pratt, 
Emeliue  M.,  w.  of  N.  Pratt, 

1857. 
Catherine  V  ,  w.  of  E.  Potter, 
Sophia,  w.  of  T  B.  Vinton, 
Sanih,  w.  of  W.  Kincaid, 
Sarah  A.,  d.  of  E  C.  Bowdltoh. 
Caroline  E.,  d.  C.  French, 
Thomas  B.,  s.  of  B.  Vinton. 
Mercy  L.,  w.  of  C.  Brig^s, 
Elvira,  w.  of  E.  Thayer,  dec. 
Charles  W  ,  s.  of  J.  Hobart, 
.\deline,  d.  of  dea  E.  Hiiyward, 
Hannah  E.,  d.  of  S.  Thayer. 

ia58. 
Elisha  A  ,  8.  of  E.  Belcher, 
Mary  F ,  w.  of  A.  Belcher. 
Susan  A.,  w.  J.  E   llolbrook, 
Harriet  M.,  w.  of  J   Vogg, 
Franklin  E.,  s.  of  B.  F  Arnold, 
Susannah  N.,  d,  of  E.  N.  Thayer, 
Sarah  H  ,  d.  of  E  N.  Thayer, 
Mercy  B ,  d.  of  O.  Cobb, 
Ann  S  ,  d.  of  dea  E.  Hayward, 
Helen  L.,  d.  of  C.  Stetson, 
Anna  M  ,  d.  of  C.  Stetson, 
Susan  M.,  d.  of  R.  Slierman, 
Phehc  A.,  d.  of  W.  Sherman, 
Sarah  E.,  d.  of  J.  Sampson, 

1859. 
Henry  M.,  s.  of  J.  Hollis, 
Eliza  S.,  w.  of  A.  Hobart, 
Julia  A.,  w.  of  S.  Dustln, 
Ruth,  d.  of  N.  Wales, 
Deliii,  w.  of  S.  Thayer, 
Harriet  S.,  w.  of Dennett, 


ACTS  OF  THE  CHURCH. 


1R14.  Sept.  I.  Brother  David  Hollis  was  chosen  Deacon, 
in  place  of  Deacon  Hobart,  who  resigned  an  office  he  had  loLg 
held  and  honorably  fulfilled,  on  account  of  the  increasing  in- 
firmities of  age. 

Same  day.      Voted,  that  the  Deacons  be  required  to  keep 
legular  accounts  of  the  monies  received  at  the  sacramental  cot- 
kctions,  and  that  if  there  be  an  overplus,  after  defraying  the 
3 


26  CHURCH    MANUAL. 

necessary  expenses,  it  be  subject  to  the  disposal  of  the  Church 
for  the  benefit  of  the  poor. 

1815.  Sept.  1.  Brother  Nathaniel  E.  Thayer  was  chosen 
second  Deacon,  and  set  apart  to  the  sacred  office  by  prayer. 

1817.  Sept.  7.  The  Church  Voted,  To  allow  their  Pastor 
to  spend  the  third  week  in  this  month  in  Missionary  labor,  on 
the  borders  of  Khode  Island. 

1820.  May  14.  The  Church  Voted,  To  take  the  Sabbath 
School  under  their  direction  ;  and  appointed  a  Committee  of 
five,  to  make  and  carry  into  efi^ect  arrangements  for  the  present 
year. 

1821.  July  21.  A  Committee  of  seven  was  appointed,  to 
report,  next  Lord's  day,  on  the  best  method  of  securing  a  fair 
proportion  of  aid  from  this  parish  for  the  support  of  Mr.  Tem- 
ple, on  his  mission  to  Palestine,  Deacons  Hobart,  Mollis,  and 
Thayer,  with  brethren  A.  Prench,  11.  Hayden,  Jr.,  L.  Wild, 
and  L.  Thayer,  were  chosen. 

1824.  Dec.  2.  The  Church  this  day  Voted,  That  a  Com- 
xtiittee  of  five  be  appointed,  whose  duty  it  shall  be,  in  conjunc- 
tion with  the  Pastor,  to  examine  all  persons  offering  them- 
selves as  candidates  for  admission  to  the  privileges  of  the 
Church  before  they  shall  be  propounded. 

That  it  be  the  duty  of  this  Committee  to  meet  at  least  once 
in  three  months,  and  as  much  oftener  as  they  may  find  it 
necessary  or  convenient. 

That  their  meetings  be  open  to  any  member  of  the  Church 
who  may  wish  to  be  present. 

1827.  June  3.  The  Church  Fo«erf,  That  they  highly  ap- 
prove  of  the  plan  of  Church  Conference,  which  has  been  re- 
cently proposed  by  a  Committee  of  the  Norfolk  Association. 

Sept.  11.  The  Church  Committee  appointed  a  special  meet- 
ing for  baptised  children,  on  the  22d  inst.,  requesting  also 
the  attendance  of  their  parents. 

Though  the  proposed  meeting  was  not  numerously  attend- 
ed, owing  to  unfavorable  weather,  yet  the  attention  and  deep 
feeling  manifested,  evinced  the  presence  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

1828.  March  5.  This  day  was  observed  by  the  Church 
as  a  season  of  fasting,  humiliation,  and  prayer,  in  reference 
to  the  state  of  religion  among  us.     The  morning  was  spent  in 


CHTTRCH    MANUAL.  27 

fasting  and  prayer  "  by  every  one  apart."  At  11  o'clock,  the 
Church  met  at  the  house  of  God,  and  spent  two  hours  in 
prayer,  confession,  and  renewal  of  covenant.  At  2  o'clock, 
the  congregation  assembled,  and  a  sermon  was  delivered  by 
Kev.  Mr.  Green,  of  Boston.  At  half  past  5  o'clock,  the  Church 
met  again,  and  was  addressed  by  several  lay  brethren  from 
Boston.  An  evening  service  was  also  held,  in  which  Rev.  Mr. 
Green  addressed  the  assembly ;  and  many  were  constrained  to 
say,  "  It  is  good  to  be  here." 

1829.  Jan.  4.  At  a  regular  meeting  of  the  Church,  it 
was  Voted,  1.  That  a  quarterly  collection  be  taken  up  in  the 
congregation  for  the  Massachusetts  Missionary  Society. 

2.  That  a  part  of  the  proceeds  of  the  Monthly  Concert  col- 
lections be  appropriated  to  the  same  object. 

May  4.  At  a  regular  church  meeting,  it  was  Voted,  unani- 
mously, That  the  Pastor  be  at  liberty  to  be  absent  for  six 
months  during  each  of  the  two  succeeding  years,  in  aid  of  the 
cause  of  Home  Missions,  as  an  Agent  of  the  American  Home 
Missionary  Society,  it  being  understood  that  he  furnish  sup- 
plies for  the  pulpit. 

1830.  Dec.  29.  The  old  meeting-house  having  been 
taken  down  by  vote  of  the  Parish,  the  new  one,  just  completed, 
was  this  day  solemnly  dedicated  to  the  service  of  Almighty 
God, 'Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost.  Introductory  prayer  by 
Eev.  Mr.  Perkins,  of  East  Braintree  ;  reading  of  the  Scrip- 
tures by  Eev.  Mr.  Huntington,  of  N.  Bridgewater ;  dedicatory 
prayer  by  Rev.  Dr.  Codman,  of  Dorchester  ;  sermon  by  the 
Pastor ;  concluding  prayer  by  Rev.  Mr.  Matthews,  of  So. 
Braintree ;  the  benediction  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gile,  of  Milton. 
The  day  was  pleasant  and  joyous.  The  sale  of  the  pews  ex- 
ceeded the  cost  of  the  house,  $1725. 

1831.  Aug.  4.  On  the  question  of  the  Pastor's  dismission 
from  the  charge  of  this  church,  that  he  might  accept  the  ofl&ce 
of  "  Associate  Secretary  and  General  Agent  of  the  American 
Home  Missionary  Society  for  the  New  England  States  " — it 
was  voted,  after  much  discussion,  "  That  the  church  consent 
to  the  settlement  of  a  colleague  pastor,  leaving  the  present 
pastor  at  liberty  to  devote  himself  to  the  duties  of  the  pro- 
posed office  for  a  term  not  exceeding  five  years  —  he  relin- 
quishing all  pecuniary  claims  on  the  church  and  parish  during 
that  term.     In  this  vote  the  parish  concurred. 


23  OHUBCH    MANUAL. 

October  31.  It  was  voted  by  the  church  unanimously, 
•♦  That  Mr.  Edwards  A.  Park  be  invited  to  settle  with  us  in 
the  gospel  ministry,  as  colleague  pastor,  on  the  conditions 
that  he  discharge  all  the  duties  of  the  pastoral  and  ministerial 
ofl&ce,  and  relieve  the  senior  pastor  from  all  the  responsibili- 
ties of  said  office,  for  a  term  not  exceeding  five  years."  This 
TOte  was  concurred  in  by  the  parish  unanimously. 

This  call  was  accepted  by  Mr.  Park,  with  the  following 
modification  suggested  by  him  and  adopted  by  the  other 
parties  concerned,  viz. :  "  That  his  connexion  with  the  church 
and  pai  ish  be  not  limited  to  five  years,  but  continued  so  long 
as  both  parties  agree  to  continue  it,  be  the  term  more  or  less 
than  five  years." 

December  21.  This  being  the  day  appointed  for  the  ordi- 
nation of  Mr.  E.  A.  Park,  the  following  churches  were  re- 
presented in  council  by  pastors  and  delegates,  viz.: 

Bowdoin  st.  church — Eev.  Dr.  L.  Beecher  and  delegate. 

Park  St.  church, ,  Josiah  Hayden,  del. 

Dorchester — Eev.  Dr.  Codman,  and  del. 
Milton — Rev.  S.  Gile,  and  del. 
Dedham  S. — Rev.  H.  G.  Park,  and  del. 
Stoughton — Rev.  Dr.  Park  and  del. 
Easton — Rev.  L.  Sheldon,  and  del. 
Randolph  E. — Rev.  D.  Brigham,  and  del. 
Randolph  W. — Rev.  Mr.  Hitchcock,  and  del. 
North  Bridgewater — Rev.  Mr.  Huntington,  and  del, 
Braintree  S. — Rev.  Mr.  Matthews,  and  del. 
Braintree   and  Weymouth,   union — Rev.  Mr.  Perkins,  and 
del. 

Weymouth  S. ,  a  del. 

The  Council  having  been  organized,  by  the  clioice  of  Dr. 
Park  as  Moderator,  and  L.  Sheldon,  Scribe,  proceeded  to  the 
examination  of  the  candidate  ;  and,  being  satisfied  therewith, 
assigned  the  several  parts  of  the  ordination  service,  as  fol- 
lows :  to  Rev.  Mr.  Perkins,  the  introductory  prayer ;  to  Eev. 
Dr  Park,  the  sermon  ;  to  Rev.  R.  S.  Storrs,  the  charge ;  to 
Eev,  H.  G.  Park,  the  right  hand  of  fellowship  ;  to  Rev.  S. 
Gile,  the  consecrating  prayer  ;  and  to  Rev.  Mr.  Matthews,  the 
concluding  prayer. 


CHURCH    MANUAL.  29 

On  the  part  of  the  churcli,  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer  liad 
been  observed  the  week  previous  to  the  ordination,  when  they 
confessed  their  faults  and  sins  one  to  another,  and  voted  to 
hold  a  protracted  meeting  immediately  after  the  ordination 
services  were  over ;  accordingly,  meetings  commenced  on 
Wednesday  evening,  were  continued  to  the  close  of  the  week, 
and  happy  results  followed  —  even  a  general  revival  of 
religion. 

1832.  January  9.  The  church  voted  to  instruct  the 
standing  committee  to  propound  for  admission  to  the  church 
no  one  who  would  not  pledge  himself  to  a  total  abstinence 
from  ardent  spirits,  except  when  used  as  a  medicine. 

December  28.  The  church  appointed  a  committee  of  two, 
to  "  visit  some  communicants  whose  conduct  deserved  repre- 
hension; "  and  voted  to  observe  the  seventh  day  of  January 
ensuing  as  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer,  for  the  revival  of 
God's  work. 

1833.  December  26.  The  junior  pastor  requested  of  the 
church  a  dismission  from  his  charge ;  and  the  church  voted 
to  accede  to  his  request,  "tho'  with  feelings  of  painful 
regret." 

1834.  January  8.  The  parish  having  felt  constrained, 
though  reluctantly,  to  concur  in  the  action  of  the  church,  Dec. 
26,  an  ecclesiastical  council  was  called,  and  met, 

January  17 — to  consider  the  question  of  the  junior  pastor's 
dismission.  Kev.  Calvin  Park,  D.  D.,  of  Stoughton;  Eev. 
Jonas  Perkins,  of  Union  church  ;  Eev.  L.  Matthews,  of  So. 
Braintree ;  and  Eev.  John  C.  Phillips,  of  N.  Weymouth,  with 
the  delegates  of  their  churches,  convened  and  organised,  by 
choosing  Eev.  Dr.  Park,  Moderator,  and  the  Eev.  Mr.  Phillips, 
Scribe.  The  request  of  Mr.  Park,  occasioned  by  an  urgent 
invitation  to  a  Professorship  in  Amherst  College,  and  a  con- 
viction of  his  duty  to  accept  it,  was  then  laid  before  the 
council,  together  with  the  doings  of  the  church  and  parish  in 
the  premises.  The  proceedings  having  been  regular  and  sat- 
isfactory, the  council  voted  the  dissolution  unanimously. 
Their  result  follows : 

"  Voted,     That  the  council  entertain  a  high  sense  of  the 
faithfulness  and  devotedness  of  Eev.   Mr.  Park  in  the  dis- 
3* 


80  CHURCH   MANUAL. 

charge  of  his  pastoral  duties — of  his  incessant  and  various 
labors  to  promote  the  intellectual  and  moral  improvement  of 
the  people  of  his  late  charge,  and  they  cordially  recommend 
him  to  the  fellowship  and  confidence  of  the  churches  of  our 
Lord.  The  council,  in  view  of  the  connexion  which  has  hith- 
erto so  happily  subsisted  between  this  church  and  the  late 
junior  pastor,  and  which  has  been  so  signally  blessed  by  the 
God  of  all  grace,  cannot  but  sympathise  with  them  in  the 
dissolution  of  said  connexion ;  and  knowing  how  happy  this 
connexion  has  been  to  the  present  pastor,  they  would  express 
their  sympathy  with  him,  in  the  loss  which  he  has  sustained, 
in  the  disraisson  of  so  able  and  beloved  a  colleague.  And 
the  council  commend  him,  with  his  beloved  church,  to  the 
guidance  and  care  of  Him  who  is  able  to  sanctify  to  them  this 
affliction,  and  to  build  them  up  in  the  faith  and  order  of  the 
gospel. 

I'or  about  two  years  from  the  date  of  Rev.  Mr.  Park's  dis- 
mission— and  during  the  continued  Home  Mission  Agency,  and 
subsequent  protracted  illness  of  the  pastor — the  church  and 
congregation  were  edified  by  the  ministerial  labors,  chiefly,  of 
the  Rev.  Paul  Jewett  and  Mr.  William  R.  Jewett,  who  succes- 
sively "stood  in  the  gap"  and  "fed  the  people  with  know- 
ledge." From  that  period  the  senior  pastor  resumed  the 
duties  of  his  oflBce  so  far  as  reduced  health  would  permit, 
relinquishing  the  Agency  to  which  he  stood  pledged,  after 
four  years'  exhausting  service. 

Few  things  deserving  of  special  notice,  in  this  connection, 
occurred,  out  of  the  ordinary  routine  of  pastoral  care.  Here 
and  there  cases  of  discipline  arose,  requiring  firmness  and  for- 
bearance on  the  part  of  the  church ;  and  various  action  on 
incidental  matte:  8  was  taken  from  time  to  time,  as  the  records 
will  disclose  to  ail  whose  curiosity  or  necessity  may  prompt  to 
inquiry. 

1841.  December  23.  The  deacons  of  the  church  were  ap- 
pointed to  act  as  a  committee,  in  conjunction  with  the  pastor, 
to  decide  whether  agents  for  other  objects  than  those  already 
approved  by  the  church,  shall  have  liberty  to  present  them 
and  take  public  collections. 

1842.  Jamiary  31.  Dea.  N.  E.  Thayer,  wishing  to  be 
excused  from  the  active  duties  of  the  deaconship  on  account 


CHURCH    MANUAL.  31 

of  many  and  increasing  infirmities — and  Dea.  D.  Hollis  pre- 
ferring a  similar  request,  and  the  request  being  deamed  rea- 
sonable— this  day  was  set  apart  for  the  choice  of  two  assistant 
deacons ;  brethren  Nathaniel  Hay  ward  and  Charles  Dickerman 
were  unanimously  chosen  by  ballot  to  the  oifice. 

On  the  same  day  a  "standing  rule,"  that  had  been  in  ope- 
ration for  thirty  years,  requiring  applicants  for  admission  from 
other  Congregational  churches  to  submit  to  examination  by  the 
committee,  in  like  manner  as  those  "  coming  out  from  the 
world,"  was  formally  rescinded  ;  and  it  was  voted,  that  "  full 
letters  of  recommendation  "  from  "  churches  with  which  we 
are  in  fellowship,  be  received  as  sufficient  testimonials  of 
christian  character  and  standing."  The  occasion  of  the  above 
"  standing  rule  "  having  passed  away,  when  the  dividing  line 
between  Evangelical  and  Unitarian  Congregationalists  had 
been  fairly  established  and  recognized,  the  rule  had  become 
superfluous,  and  even  derogatory  to  the  character  of  sister 
churches. 

February  "2^1.  After  a  sermon  on  "  the  office,  qualifications, 
and  duties  of  deacons,"  the  previously  elected  brethren,  Na- 
thaniel Hayward  and  Charles  Dickerman,  were  inducted  into 
office  by  solemn  prayer,  and  the  laying  on  of  hands. 

1854.  October  \%.  Our  beloved  brother  Dickerman,  hav- 
ing been  called  away  from  us  by  death — at  a  special  meeting 
of  the  church,  notified  for  the  purpose,  brother  Elias  Hay- 
ward  was  chosen  to  succeed  in  the  office  of  deacon,  by  an 
unanimous  vote  of  the  members  present.  After  due  consider- 
ation, on  his  part, 

November  1-i.  Bro.  E.  Hayward  was  publicly  inducted  in- 
to office,  at  the  close  of  the  afternoon  service,  by  prayer  and 
the  laying  on  of  hands. 

1857.  June  3.  A  new  house  of  worship  having  been 
erected  in  place  of  the  former,  which,  in  the  judgment  of 
many,  had  become  insufficient  to  accommodate  the  increasing 
population,  was  this  day  solemnly  dedicated  to  the  service  of 
God  agreeably  to  previous  arrangements.  Rev.  Mr.  Couch,  of 
N.  Bridi^ewater,  offered  the  invosation  and  read  the  scriptures  ; 
Eev.  iMr.  .Means,  of  Dorchester,  read  the  hymn  ;  Eev.  Mr. 
Eussel,  of  E.  Randolph,  oiFered  prayer ;  Rev.  R.  S.  Storrs,  Jr., 
of  Brooklyn,  preached   the   sermon  ;    the  Pastor  offered  the 


32  CHURCH    MANUAL. 

prayer  of  dedication ;  Rev.  Mr.  Perkins,  of  East  Braintree, 
gave  the  benediction.  An  overflowing  congregation  shared 
the  solemnities  of  the  occasion,  and  many  prayers  went  up 
to  God,  that  the  glory  of  the  latter  house  might  exceed  the 
glory  of  the  former. 

September  6.  The  communion  vessels  hitherto  in  use  in 
this  church  being  no  longer  needful  here,  since  the  generous 
donation  of  a  complete  set  by  Mrs.  L.  Bliss,  of  Boston,  for- 
merly a  member  of  this  church,  were  donated  to  the  use  of  a 
feeble  church  in  Ohio,  at  the  suggestion  of  Rev.  Henry  M. 
Storrs,  Cincinnati ;  the  few  articles  presented  as  special 
memorials  by  honored  individuals  being  retained  for  continued 
use. 

1858.  February  25.  It  was  voted  that  the  standing  com- 
mittee be  authorised,  if  they  see  fit,  to  draft  a  code  of  By- 
laws for  the  regulation  of  the  action  of  the  church  in  the 
future,  and  present  it  for  adoption  at  the  next  annual  meeting, 
or  at  a  special  meeting,  duly  notified,  if  they  think  proper. 

1859.  January  3.  A  report  of  "Rules  and  Regulations," 
previously  agreed  upon  by  the  standing  committee,  agreeably  to 
the  preceding  vote,  was  presented  to  the  church,  accepted  and 
adopted ;  and  the  same  committee  was  authorized  to  publish 
it,  in  connexion  with  a  revised  edition  of  the  church  manual, 
prepared  in  1829. 


RULES   AND    REGULATIONS 


FIEST  CHUECH  IN  BEAINTEE; 


I.     Ordinances. 


1.  The  Lord's  Supper  shall  be  administered,  God  willing, 
four  times  a  year,  viz.  :  on  the  first  Sabbath  in  the  several 
months  of  March,  June,  September,  and  December ;  also,  at 
such  other  times  as  the  Church  or  Standing  Committee  shall 
elect. 

2.  Baptism  shall  be  administered  to  the  children  of  believ- 
ing parents,  on  the  same  Sabbaths ;  or,  if  greater  convenience 
require,  it  may  be  administered  at  other  times. 

II.     Annual  Meeting. 

1.  The  Church  shall  hold  an  annual  meeting  for  business, 
on  or  near  the  first  day  of  January  of  each  year;  when  the 
Eecord  of  the  preceding  Annual  Meeting  shall  be  read,  and 
the  Divine  blessing  implored. 

2.  Two  permanent  Committees  for  the  year  shall  be  chosen, 
by  ballot  or  nomination,  as  the  Church  shall  direct;  1st,  a 
committee  of  business,  called  a  "  Standing  Committee ;"  2d, 
a  committee  for  the  management  of  the  Sabbath  School,  called 
the  "  Sabbath  School  Committee." 

3.  These  committees  shall  consist  each  of  six  members, 
beside  the  pastor,  who  shall  be  a  member  ex  officio. 

4.  Other  committees  for  special  purposes  may  be  chosen, 
at  the  discretion  of  the  Church. 


84  CHTJKCH    MANUAL. 

5.  All  these  committees  shall  make  report  of  their  doings 
at  the  close  of  the  year,  or  at  any  special  meeting  of  the 
Church,  if  required  ;  and  submit  them  to  the  action  of  the 
Church. 

6.  At  this  meeting  a  Treasurer  shall  be  appointed,  to  take 
charge  of  the  collections  of  the  Church,  and  rei)ort  thereon. 
A  Clerk  shall  also  be  chosen,  to  record  the  doings  of  the 
Church,  and  keep  them  open  to  the  inspection  of  members. 


III.     Special  Meetings. 

1.  Special  Meetings  of  the  Church  may  be  called  at  any 
time,  when  judged  necessary,  by  the  pastor.  Standing  Com- 
mittee, or  any  seven  members  of  the  Church,  signing  their 
names  to  the  call. 

2.  Such  meetings  shall  be  notified  from  the  pulpit,  on  the 
Sabbath  preceding ;  or,  if  the  pastor  refuse  so  to  notify  them, 
a  written  notification,  duly  signed  by  seven  members  or  more, 
stating  the  business  or  object  of  the  meeting,  and  posted  on 
an  intervening  Sabbath  in  the  vestibule  of  the  Meeting-house, 
shall  be  deemed  a  regular  notice ;  and  the  business  transacted 
at  such  meeting  shall  be  held  regular  and  valid. 

IV.     Moderator. 

1.  In  all  meetings  of  the  Church  the  pastor  shall  be  the 
Moderator,  unless  he  decline  to  serve,  or  refuse  to  discharge 
the  duties  of  the  office. 

2.  In  case  of  the  pastor's  sickness,  unavoidable  absence, 
or  refusal  to  serve,  the  Church  may  appoint  a  Moderator  for 
the  time  being. 

V,     Quorum. 

1.  A  majority  of  the  acting  members  present  at  the  regu- 
lar meetings  of  the  Church,  shall  form  a  quorum  for  business. 

2.  All  business  transactions  shall  be  determined  by  a  ma- 
jority of  the  votes  actually  cast  on  any  given  question  ;  and 
any  vote  carried  by  more  or  less  in  the  affirmative,  shall  be 
declared  unanimous,  if  no  negative  votes  be  cast.* 


CHURCn    MANUAL.  35 


VI.     Standing  Committee. 


1.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  this  Committee  to  meet  at  least 
once  in  three  months,  and  as  much  oftcner  as  necessity  shall 
require,  or  convenience  permit.  These  meetings  shall  be  open 
to  any  member  of  the  Church  wishing  to  profit  by  the  delibe- 
rations of  the  Committee. 

2.  They  shall  examine  all  those  offering  themselves  as 
candidates  for  admission  to  the  privileges  of  the  Church,  and 
if  satisfied  of  their  experimental  piety  and  doctrinal  correct- 
ness, shall  propound  them  for  admission,  three,  or  at  least  two 
weeks,  previous  to  calling  for  a  vote  of  the  Church  ;  the  for- 
mal vote  being  taken  at  the  close  of  the  preparatory  lecture 
preceding  the  communion.  In  the  case  of  those  bringing  let- 
ters of  dismission  and  recommendation  from  sister  Churches 
held  in  fellowship,  it  shall  suffice  for  the  pastor  to  propound 
them,  as  others  are  propounded,  and  call  for  the  vote  of  the 
Church,  in  the  same  manner ;  it  being  understood,  that  no 
member  of  another  Church  shall  be  received  into  this  Church, 
without  proper  letters  of  dismission  and  recommendation. 

3.  Cases  of  discipline  shall  be  taken  up  by  this  Commit- 
tee, on  complaint  regularly  brought  before  them,  and  made 
the  subject  of  inquiry  and  kindly  effort  to  convince  and  re- 
claim the  offender,  or  to  remove  misapprehensions  from  the 
mind  of  the  complainant;  but  no  person  shall  be  cut  off 
from  the  Church,  except  by  vote  of  the  Church  at  a  regular 
meeting. 

4.  This  Committee  shall  give  letters  of  dismission  and 
recommendation  to  those  removing  to  another  place,  or  wish- 
ing, for  any  reasons,  to  connect  themselves  with  a  sister 
Church,  if  in  good  and  regular  standing  at  the  time  of  making 
the  request. 

5.  This  Committee  shall  look  after  the  spiritual  interests, 
so  far  as  they  have  the  ability  to  do  it,  of  such  members  of 
the  Church,  as,  through  removal  or  other  causes,  fail  to  com- 
mune regularly,  or  occasionally,  at  least,  with  this  Church, 
and  neglect  other  duties  pledged  in  their  covenant  engage- 
ments. 


36  CHURCH    MANUAL. 


VII.     Resident  Members  of  other  Churches. 

Members  of  other  Churches  residing  and  worshipping  with 
us,  arc  expected,  after  the  lapse  of  a  year  at  the  longest, 
to  present  letters  of  dismission  from  the  Church  to  which  they 
belong ;  and  in  case  no  satisfactory  reason  for  further  delay 
be  assigned,  they  are  expected  to  absent  themselves  from  the 
communion  of  this  Church. 


VIII.     The  Sabbath  School  Committee. 

This  Committee  shall  appoint  the  Superintendent  and 
teachers  of  the  School ;  determine  what  text-books  shall  be 
used ;  at  what  times  and  places  the  sessions  shall  be  held ; 
what  books  shall  be  placed  in  the  library,  and  on  what 
conditions  used  by  the  scholars ;  take  up  an  annual  collection 
for  the  increase  of  the  library ;  and  aid  the  active  laborers 
in  the  School,  by  their  counsels,  pei^onal  influence,  and  cheer- 
ful eff"orts. 

IX.     Disposal  of  Funds. 

1.  A  collection  shall  be  taken  at  the  close  of  every  sacra- 
mental lecture,  for  defraying  the  exjjenscs  of  the  communion 
table. 

2.  Any  surplus  funds  remaining  in  the  hands  of  the 
deacons,  after  supplying  the  Lord's  table,  shall  be  distributed 
to  indigent  members  of  the  church,  if  such  there  be  ;  other- 
wise, they  shall  be  reserved  in  the  hands  of  the  Treasurer,  till 
cases  of  want  arise,  or  other  appropriation  is  made  by  vote  of 
the  church. 

X.     Discipline. 

Believing  that  sound  and  wholesome  discipline  is  essential 
to  the  peace  and  welfare  of  any  church,  we  adopt  and  abide 
by  the  rules  Christ  has  prescribed  for  its  maintainance,  in 
Matt.  18  c,  and  which  are  elucidated  by  the  records  of  the 
primitive  church. 

We  recognize  two  classes  of  offences,  viz :  those  of  a  private 
and  personal  character,  and  those  that  are  public,  or  open  to 
the  observation  of  all. 


CHURCH   MANUAL.  ^ 

1 .  In  the  case  of  private  or  personal  wrongs,  the  membei 
aggrieved  shall  himself  take  the  several  steps  prescribed  by 
Christ ;  in  the  case  of  public  offence,  the  Standing  Committee 
shall  take  the  same  course  ;  and  if  satisfaction  be  not  given, 
the  matter  shall  be  laid  before  the  Church  at  the  Annual 
Meeting,  or  at  a  meeting  specially  called  for  the  purpose. 

2.  If  the  Church  approve  the  action  of  the  aggrieved 
member,  in  the^rs^  case,  or  of  the  Standing  Committee,  in  the 
second,  a  written  complaint,  specifying  the  charges  preferred, 
and  signed  by  the  Clerk,  shall  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  the 
offender,  with  a  citation  from  the*  Church  or  Committee,  to 
appear  at  a  given  time  and  place,  and  make  answer  to  said 
charges. 

3.  If  he  refuse  to  obey  the  citation,  after  a  first  and  sec- 
ond summons,  he  shall,  if  the  Church  so  elect,  be  forthwith 
excommunicated  for  contumacy,  without  further  reference  to 
the  truth  of  the  charges  alleged  ;  in  case  he  appear,  and  an- 
swer to  the  charges,  and  after  all,  is  voted  guilty  by  the 
Church — which  shall  never  be  done,  without  clear  and  indis- 
putable evidence  against  him — he  must  furnish  satisfactory 
indications  of  repentance  to  the  Church,  or  be  instantly  sus- 
pended from  its  privileges. 

4.  After  this  suspension,  the  Church  shall  delay  action 
only  so  long  as  they  judge  that  duty  requires;  and  then,  in 
case  no  satisfaction  be  given  by  the  offender,  the  Church  shall 
proceed  to  vote  his  exclusion ;  and  this  act  of  exclusion, 
signed  by  the  Moderator  and  Clerk,  shall  be  read  from  the 
pulpit,  in  presence  of  the  congregation. 

XI.     Voters  ix  the  Church. 

Every  acting  member  of  this  Church  has  the  right,  and 
shall  always  share  the  privilege,  of  voting,  on  any  and  every 
question  that  comes  before  it  for  its  action,  unless  suspended, 
after  being  found  guilty  of  some  disciplinable  offence. 

XII.       SuSrENSlOX    OF    EULES. 

None  of  the  standing  Eules  and  Regulations  of  this  Church 
shall  be  suspended,  except  by  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  mem- 
bers present,  at  any  regular  meeting. 
4 


38  cnrRCH  manual 


XIII.    Kescinding  of  Kules. 

No  "  Standing  Kule  "  of  this  Church  shall  be  rescinded  or 
changed,  unless  a  written  proposition,  stating  distinctly  the 
proposed  change,  be  submitted  at  some  regular  meeting ;  and 
final  action  shall  be  delayed  until  the  next  succeeding  Annual 
Meeting. 

XIV.     Additional  Eules. 

Any  new  "  Standing  'Eule "  hereafter  proposed,  shall  be 
first  submitted  to  the  "  Standing  Committee,"  or  to  a  special 
committee,  to  be  by  them  considered,  and  reported  to  the 
Church  for  adoption  or  rejection,  at  the  next  regular  meeting 
following. 

XV.     Authority  of  Past  Eules. 

Any  Eules  or  Eegulations  heretofore  adopted  by  this  Church, 
and  put  on  record,  or  regarded  as  common  law,  being  super- 
seded by  this  Digest,  shall  no  longer  be  referred  to,  as  having 
authority  in  the  proceedings  of  this  Church. 


The  foregoing  "  Eules  and  Eegulations,"  prepared  by  the 
"  Standing  Committee,"  as  directed  by  the  .Church  at  the 
Annual  Meeting  of  1858,  was  read  at  the  Annual  Meeting, 
Jan.  3,  1859;  and  it  was  "voted,  unanimously,  that  said 
Eeport  be  accepted  and  adopted  ;  and  that  the  same  Commit- 
tee be  authorized  to  publish  it,  in  connection  with  the  revised 
edition  of  the  Church  Manual." 

Attest,  E.  S.  STOEES,  Pastor  and  Clerk. 


ACTION     OF     THE     CHURCH     AT     THE     ANNUAL 
MEETING,  JANUARY  2,  1860.       • 

VIOLATION      OF      COVENANT      ENGAGEMENTS. 

"  You  covenant  to  attend  the  worship  and  ordinances  of  the 
Gospel  with  the  Church,  so  long  as  God  continues  you  in  the 
world,  and  you  are  able  to  do  it." 

Upon  this  article  in  the  church  Covenant,  the  "  Standing 
Committee "  made  report,  at  the  annual  meeting  of  the 
church,  January  2,  I860-;  which  was  accepted  unanimously: 

"  This  Covenant  your  committee  understand  to  be  violated, 

I.  When  any  member  of  the  church,  resident  with  us,  having 
ordinary  health,  and  no  special  physical  hindrance?  yet  ab- 
stains from  the  regular  commemoration  of  the  death  of 
Christ,  in  the  way  of  his  appointment.  If  any  brother  or 
sister  be  offended  by  the  supposed  or  real  misconduct  of  any 
member  of  the  church,  his  duty  is  plain,  to  go  directly  to  the 
offender,  and  obtain  satisfaction  in  the  mode  prescribed  by 
the  Savior,  Matt.  18th,  and  not  to  cut  himself  off  from  the 
communion  of  the  whole  church  with  her  Lord  and  Master, 
and  thereby  grieve  all  the  brethren.  Offences  will  come ; 
but  they  often  originate  in  misapprehensions,  which  a  calm 
and  fraternal  interchange  of  thought  would  remove ;  and,  it 
is  injurious  to  any  brother  to  condemn  him,  before  giving 
him  an  opportunity  to  explain  himself;  and  still  more  inju- 
rious to  the  whole  church  to  condemn  it  as  a  body,  for  the 
real  or  supposed  misconduct  of  an  individual.  No  offence, 
real  or  imaginary,  is  ever  removed  by  the  commission  of 
another  offence." 

Authority  sustaining  these  views  of  the  Committee. 

Nearly  two  hundred  years  ago  "  the  Cambridge  Associa- 
tion "  discussed  the  question: 

*'  What  is  the  duty  of  the  church  to  persons,  who  iipon  pri- 
vate prejudices,  withdraiv  from  the  communion  of  it'?" 

"  The  following  propositions  were  agi'eed  upon,"  and  ever 


40  CHUKCH    MANXTAt. 

since  have  been  accepted  by  tlie  churches,  as  true  and  scrip- 
tural bases  of  action : 

"  1.  Persons  that  have  taken  up  any  private  prejudice 
against  any  in  the  communion  of  the  church  whereto  they 
do  belong,  are  directed  by  the  commandment  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  and  are  engaged  by  the  covenant  of  watchful- 
ness, to  endeavor  the  repentance  of  the  persons  under  sup- 
posed offence,  by  a  personal  application. 

"2.  They,  that  upon  offence  taken,  do  neglect  this  way 
of  proceeding,  are  guilty  of  sin  against  the  ]^ord's  command- 
ment, and  their  own  covenant ;  and  by  their  withdrawing 
from  the  table  of  the  Lord,  their  sin  is  aggravated. 

"3.  The  withdrawing  of  persons  thus  irregularly  from 
the  communion  of  the  church  at  the  Lord's  table,  does  carry 
a  hard  and  high  imputation  upon  the  church  itself,  which 
adds  more  of  a  fault  unto  so  sinful  a  schism. 

"4.  If  thfi  person  that  hath  been  offended  hath  done  his 
duty,  and  cither  the  pastor  do  refuse  to  lay  the  matter  before 
the  church,  for  the  insignificancy  of  it,  or  the  church  upon 
hearing  of  it,  do  pronounce  itself  satisfied,  the  person  is 
obliged  still  to  continue  his  communion  with  the  church, 
until  a  council  of  churches  declare  the  contrary. 

"5.  Such  a  sinful  separation  from  the  communion  of  the 
church,  being  a  moral  evil,  the  scandal  is  to  be,  by  the  dis- 
cipline of  the  church,  proceeded  against,  as  other  censurable 
scandals.  The  pastor,  upon  observation  of  the  sin,  is  to  send 
for  the  person  withdrawiiig.  [or  otherwise  see  him,]  and  instruct, 
and  convince,  and  admonish  him ;  and,  upon  contumacious 
obstiuacy,  the  church  is  to  deal  with  him,  as  one  ixnruly  and 
walking  disorderly. 

"-6.  Nevertheless,  compassion  towards  the  ignorant,  or 
injured,  is  very  much  to  determine  the  more  or  less  vigor 
wherewith  such  offences  are  to  be  prosecuted." 

Upham's  Ratio  Disciplina?.     Sec.  210. 

II.  On  the  withdrawal  of  pecuniary  support  from  the 
worship  and  ordinances  of  the  Gospel  —  a  further  and  obvi- 
ous violation  of  covenant  —  the  same  Committee  report,  that 

1.  "  Every  church-member  has  a  right,  so  long  as  in  good 
and  regular  standing,  to  claim  letters  of  dismission  to  a  sister 
church,  if,  for  reasons  satisfactory  to  himself,  he  can  better  be 
edified  by  worship  with  said  sister  church  than  his  own.    But, 


ClHTKCIl    MANUAL.  41 

2,  "The  public  worship  of  Gotl  —  tho  preaching  of  the 
Gospel,  and  the  observance  of  the  sacraments  —  the  Lord's 
Supper  and  Baptism,  are  divine  ordinances  —  not  a  human 
device ;  nor  are  they  sustained  by  any  other  law  than  the 
law  of  Christ,  though  civil  law  commend  and  encourage  them. 

').  "  Whoever  withholds  his  presence  and  pecuniary  aid, 
from  all,  or  either  of  these  ordinances,  violates  the  law  of 
Christ ;  and,  if  a  member  of  the  church,  he  violates  covenant 
obligations  also  ;  and  the  church'  is  bound  by  ker  engagements, 
to  "  watch  over  him,  with  all  tenderness  and  fidelity,"  en- 
deavoring to  remove  his  misapprehensions,  —  and  in  failure 
of  this,  to  adopt  with  him  the  line  of  conduct  prescribed  by 
Christ,  as  an  offender  against  the  law  of  his  kingdom." 

4.  '•  However  just  and  equitable  is  "  the  law  of  the  land," 
that  each  individual  pay,  in  proportion  to  the  property  of 
which  God  has  made  him  the  steward,  your  Committee  do  not 
insist  on  this  rule  of  contribution  as  fixed  and  invariable,  but 
leave  it  to  the  conscience  and  heart  of  each  individual,  in  the 
sight  of  God,  to  determine  how  much  the  divine  law  of  equity 
requires  him  to  contribute  to  the  honor  of  that  Saviour  who 
gave  his  LIFE  for  the  ransom  of  the  church,  and  the  individual 
j;elierer. 

By  order  of  the  Standing  Committee. 

R.  S.  STOERS,  Pastor  and  Clerk. 


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